'If the prime minister is, as I know he is, serious about levelling up, inflation is a bigger scourge than almost anything else, because it discriminates against the poor.' And it's terrifying for us and everybody who is suffering. It took us 15 years to recover from that. I mean, if Le Gavroche can't open for lunch, then we really are in the s***. Mr Askew told the Financial Times: 'I've never put out so many fires in all my life. He cited the famous Le Gavroche in London, which has recently had to stop serving lunch. Paul Askew chef-patron at the 48-seat Art School restaurant in Liverpool - which offers a £164 a head tasting menu with wine - said many were feeling frustrations. Next year National Insurance and corporation tax will rise, spelling more costs for employers and workers in the sector.Īnd the pandemic's VAT cuts and business-rates holidays are also ending, signalling tough times ahead. Hospitality and restaurant bosses are holding their breath for Rishi Sunak's Budget today in hope he delivers something to help prop up their industry.Īll are facing a shortage of staff qualified to serve customers keen to spend their money after a year and a half in on and off lockdowns.Īnd complications of Brexit mean restaurants are reporting being unable to get supplies through customs fast enough.
