KENNY ATKINSON: We reflect on the past year with Michelin star chef Kenny Atkinson
We reflect on what the past year has been like for the hospitality industry with Michelin star chef Kenny Atkinson.
The hospitality sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. The whole industry revolves around people getting together and being in close proximity to one another, and enjoying extended periods of time indoors in the same place. But as much as we've missed visiting our favourite bars and restaurants, they've definitely missed us more. And as we reach the end of our week of reflection, Michelin star chef Kenny Atkinson shares with us his lockdown experience.
Reflecting on the last time we left lockdown, there was a bit of respite when restrictions eased in the summer, but many felt that the hospitality industry was unfairly targeted, facing harsher restrictions than most other businesses.
Data from UK Hospitality suggests that the industry has, unsurprisingly suffered serious financial loss, down from £133.5bn in 2019 to £61.7bn in 2020. And as of early March, around 1 in 5 hospitality businesses fear they will not survive the next three months, despite the announcement of the roadmap that will allow outdoor dining to resume in April, with indoor dining planned to follow in May,