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FOOD & DRINK
FORGET THE JANUARY BLUES …
BY PAUL ASKEW , CHEF PATRON OF THE ART SCHOOL RESTAURANT
Like me , you may be forgiven for thinking January 2021 didn ’ t get the memo . The start of the new year , the approval of two vaccines , with a third now also approved and the roll out of a vaccination program was to herald a new , a better 2021 .
Instead , we find ourselves in a third lockdown , the restaurant and Cellar bar is once again closed and our private dining rooms lay empty . The guest Chef dinners , that have graced our January evenings for the last few years have been postponed and a number of the brigade have been furloughed .
Traditionally January is a quieter time for the industry , with a busy final quarter providing the much-needed funds to see many hospitality establishments through the baron months . Of course , we ’ re in a place where much of what we assume is no longer the case .
Faced with these challenges it would be easy to consider a change of career and , I don ’ t mind admitting that once or twice in the last 9 months the thought had crossed my mind . I fear my options may be somewhat limited , the knees have put pay to my rugby career and it ’ s been said I have the face for radio so modelling looks out of the question too , for now at least .
My energies and efforts have been focused not on what can ’ t be done , but what can be done .
I have launched the Emporium which will be open Friday , Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 4pm . I have also developed the “ Art School At Home ” experience for you to enjoy specially created menus , pre-prepared , in the comfort and safety of your own home .
My pastry team are busy creating tasty treats , our freshly baked Art School breads , poachers ’ pies and Venison sausage rolls . We have sourced the finest wines , Champagnes and ales to accompany a local and international selection of cheese and charcuterie too .
I know that this is a hugely difficult time for many and it remains my hope that the things we do can provide a degree of enjoyment .
Things will improve , they will get better , but we as businesses need your support to ensure that , when they do , we have sufficient resources to return to whatever the new normal looks like .
Much has been reported of support packages being made available to the sector , and while we are grateful for the support , particularly from local government and business groups it has become clear that more needs to be done .
That ’ s why I ’ ve put my support to the “ Seat at the table ” initiative alongside Chefs like Angela Hartnett and Tom Kerridge .
Hospitality is the third largest employer in the UK yet there is no Minister for Hospitality in government . Over 3 million are employed by the sector and a further 2m dependant on it , there is £ 130bn in activity resulting in £ 38bn in taxation . This sector needs a seat at the highest table of government , as so many enjoy a seat at the tables of hundreds of restaurants , pubs , cafés and bars throughout the UK . Many of you have signed the petition to get this agenda debated , and for that I thank you .
I ’ m signing off now to return to my development kitchen , putting the finishing touches to The Art School at Home Valentines edition .
Until next time stay safe , Chef Askew
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