Restaurants set to lose thousands in revenue

RESTAURANTS in Cardiff say they face losing thousands of pounds in revenue after the last-minute cancellation of Wales’ clash against Scotland.

The WRU took the decision to postpone Wales’ Six Nations match against Scotland yesterday afternoon.

The organisation previously said the fixture at the Principality Stadium would go ahead but reversed their decision following overwhelming pressure in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Restaurants in the capital who stocked fridges ready to cater for tens of thousands of rugby fans say they could now face huge losses.

Chefs said the situation could have been avoided if the decision was made earlier.

David Watson, head chef at The Potted Pig on High Street, said his Cardiff city centre restaurant serves huge volumes of customers during Six Nations home games.

“Basically for big events like this we plan months in advance,” David said. “We order in and design menus.

“[On Thursday] there was a statement put out by the WRU saying the game was going to go ahead which was a relief really.

“The fact they have waited until 24 hours before means a lot of restaurants are going to be feeling a huge effect.

“If it was called off four days ago that would have been enough, but 24 hours – you are hitting businesses twice.”

The WRU announced their decision to postpone today’s fixture yesterday afternoon as some Scotland supporters began to arrive in Cardiff.

David said the cancellation could cost some larger businesses tens of thousands of pounds.

“It’s not just the money,” he said. “If there is guidance there that says that things like this should be called off, then it should be.

“It’s just the lack of organisation and how that is going to affect us.”

Chris Matthews, head chef at Bully’s in Riverside, Cardiff, said his restaurant had already seen cancellations for the weekend.

“So far I think we have already had a couple of cancellations,” Chris said.

“It will hit quite a few hard. I’m hoping it will stay OK, hopefully, because I do most things fresh daily, so it’s not too bad in that sense.

“I have got some extra stuff but hopefully it won’t affect us too bad.”

Chris said Bully’s is a smaller restaurant which could face difficult times if customers begin to be discouraged from visiting.

“I think it is going to effect a lot of smaller businesses,” he said.