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Here’s What Happened in the London Restaurant World Last Week

Restaurants, pubs, cafes, and bars got financial support they needed, but rent remains the elephant in the room

St. John Bread and Wine in Spitalfields remains closed Michaël Protin/Eater London

Last week, Boris Johnson announced his coronavirus lockdown reopening roadmap. This week, Rishi Sunak announced the financial support which will, hopefully, get restaurants, pubs, cafes, bars, and their workers through to spring.






  • But before that — and probably long after it — restaurants’ self-examination will continue, and their ties to the world of retail will remain. Mother’s Day, not normally a super significant occasion in their calendars, is this year a cornucopia of meal kits, delivery offerings, and champagne.

  • And while the vaccination roll-out, the roadmap, and the Budget are giving the government a bounce, its mismanagement of other aspects of the pandemic remains. An astonishing leaked report into Test and Trace — whose cost is expected to reach thirty-seven billion pounds revealed that it neither tested or traced tens of millions of check-ins at hospitality venues, leaving people unknowingly at risk of coronavirus infection.



Dining guides for staying in this weekend...

And where to order takeaway and delivery in...

And finally...

Until next week, eat well and be safe.