Hospitality sector urges new Prime Minister Liz Truss to ‘act quickly and decisively' to save the industry
"This is a light-hearted way to make a serious point about our industry."
‘I feel bad because I know this cost of living crisis will finish a lot of businesses off'
Possible mass winter closures as energy bills balloon to 300 percent
Three Restaurant closures announced in one week
Government accused of failing to support business in cost of living crisis
Following rising energy bills, Frodsham’s Next Door restaurant will serve guests without using electricity or gas, as part of their back-to-basics event on 19 October.
The event will feature a nine-course tasting menu in protest to the soaring price of utilities that’s created havoc for businesses across the country.
Commenting on this story, Richard Nuttall, Head Chef and Co-Owner of Next Door, said: "We'll be cooking solely on charcoal, using no refrigeration, no technology, all by candlelight! We are 100% committed to zero power, even in the preparation of the courses. It's pushing us well out of our comfort zones to operate like this and keep up our usual high standards.”
Discussing how the restaurant’s suppliers have reacted to the event, Richard added: "Our suppliers have been incredibly supportive of our ambition and are delivering fresh goods immediately before they are due to cook due to the lack of cold storage."
Over the last few months, Richard and his team have been carefully planning the event’s execution, experimenting with creative methods such as cold brewing coffee, serving herbal teas from the fire, and cooking on charcoal.
Guests attending the event will dine by candlelight to live music without heating, card payments or Wi-Fi in the restaurant's 17th century building.
Discussing what the event represents, Vicki Nuttall, Sommelier and Co-owner, explained: "This event is a bold statement of independence and defiance against the ever-tightening constraints faced by our sector. We've already watched some of our favourite restaurants and pubs forced to close their doors, despite being busy – this is our way of showing that this isn't acceptable."
Vicki added: "This is a light-hearted way to make a serious point about our industry."
The news follows reports from the Insolvency Service who reported that the number of company insolvencies has risen by 59% over the past year amid spiralling cost pressures.
The group's data revealed 216 insolvencies of hospitality businesses occurring in July this year, up from 158 in June.
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"This is a light-hearted way to make a serious point about our industry."
Hospitality sector urges new Prime Minister Liz Truss to ‘act quickly and decisively' to save the industry
‘I feel bad because I know this cost of living crisis will finish a lot of businesses off'
Possible mass winter closures as energy bills balloon to 300 percent
Three Restaurant closures announced in one week
Government accused of failing to support business in cost of living crisis
