How To Support Your Favourite Restaurants Without Leaving The Sofa

An industry that has been hit particularly hard by the COVID pandemic is the hospitality industry, where this idea of ‘normal’ takes on a whole new definition. 

How has COVID-19 impacted the UK restaurant industry?

Measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus proved damaging for UK hospitality. As part of his televised statement on March 16th 2020, Boris Johnson advised the public to avoid venues including bars and restaurants, though no formal ban was enforced at this point. The year-on-year decline in seated diners in restaurants across the UK went down by 52% that day, and by 82% on March 17, 2020. A few days later, from Friday evening on March 20th, restaurants were forced to close.

How can you help from your home?

With new guidelines revealed and initiatives like ‘Eat Out To Help Out’  designed to help open restaurant doors again, many have taken to the high street to support their favourite eateries.  

Though if you’re still shielding, or need to isolate due to recent travel, there are a number of ways you can support this industry from the comfort of your home.

Buy gift cards 

What was once the gift you’d get for that person who was the worst to buy for, gift cards have now become a bit of a saving grace for many restaurants, cafes and bars, and particularly small businesses. 

This is a great way to support your favourite spots financially, without having to go there in person. AND you’ve also gifted yourself a meal out at a later date when you’re ready, which is a win-win.

Book a table for your friends or family

In a similar kind of vein, even if you can’t go out, if there’s a loved one’s birthday or other reason to celebrate coming up, you could always book a table for them and foot the bill ahead of time. Not only will this earn you tons of brownie points, but you’ll also be supporting your favourite eateries with cash and bums on seats. 

Buy their merchandise 

If you’re looking to support your local, check their website to see if they have any merch you can purchase in the meantime. And once you’ve received your goodies, share photos online tagging them to spread the love.

Share the love

Speaking of spreading the love, if you’re not in a position to support your favourite restaurants financially or in person, there are loads of other ways you can help. 

A big one is sharing their social media posts, resharing your own posts from when you last indulged there, and encouraging as many people as you can to do the same. Word of mouth has never been more crucial to small hospitality businesses than now, and for some, virtual word of mouth is even more effective. 

Buy a takeaway

Loads of our favourites restaurants are upping their takeaway game, with exclusive takeaway menus being introduced, as well as tasty discounts and deals. 

Where possible, order your take-out and delivery directly from the restaurant by calling them instead of using a delivery app, as lots of the most popular apps in the UK haven’t waived their pricey commission fees. And make sure to use the number listed on their websites rather than through third-party review sites, too.