What are we going to make for dinner tonight? . . .

Dear friends, it is so good to have you back, we can’t tell you how much we have missed you and cannot wait to see you again.

For more than a year we have been unable to visit our favourite cafes, pubs, hotels and restaurants. Now you will soon be open again and all of us are ready to get back out there to enjoy ourselves with you.

First of all, a huge thank-you to all those establishments that kept us supplied with takeaways, discounts for frontline workers, and help for those who hit financial hardship. Secondly, we all appreciate how hard it has been for many in the catering and hospitality industries, so our thanks for all your kind support is emphasised. Now it is our turn to support you. If there is one thing we have learned during the enforced lockdowns, it is that food pays a very important part in our wellbeing, and not just nutritionally. It is essential for our mental and social wellbeing; sharing food is one of the oldest, most positive and life-affirming gestures that the human races does.

To not be able to go out meet with friends, relax and enjoy good food and company, pop into a café for tea and scones, a cappuccino and a slice of homebaking, enjoy a bit of banter with the staff and a good gossip with our pals has slowly become more and more soul-destroying.

Likewise taking a break from cooking with a bar meal, gathering the family for a Sunday roast dinner at a hotel, or marking one of life’s big events with some superb dining have all been so, so missing from our lives. But now it’s all coming back and we are all going to want to get out there.

So the message is – book a table. Not just for now, but weeks ahead to be sure of reservations for important events such as birthdays and anniversaries, especially as the coming tourist season looks like it is going to be hectic. Looking forward to seeing you all our favourite places soon!

PS – A lot of hospitality employees have taken serious financial hits during the last year, so let’s all be generous with our tips.