London business stepping up to the plate!

London businesses fighting back against COVID19
London business stepping up to the plate! picture

It goes almost without saying, that all of us are hugely grateful and indebted to all the wonderful, dedicated people that are working to keep our key services operating, and in the NHS in particular, where they work tirelessly to serve all of us. We applaud each and every one of you... We also want to thank those individuals and companies that aren't making the headlines, for all that they are doing in their own ways, to help us all get through the current crisis.

We've gathered just a handful of examples, of London companies doing their bit to keep going and also to support their communities.


Bistro Union becomes a community store
Although it had to temporarily shut its doors as a bistro, it hasn't just shut up shop; at Bisto Union they've risen to the challenge by becoming a community shop, offering freshly cooked meals, hand made pasta, dried goods, essentials and wine, all of which can be ordered online and collected from Abbeville Road.

"We will offer free local and contactless delivery for the elderly and vulnerable. We will remain open and at your service for as long as you want us."


NHS Discounts and Support
Although so many businesses are suffering and have lost a significant portion of their trade and income, they are still trying to do what they can to support the NHS and other key workers.

The Gentlemen Baristas are offering free hot drinks and 50% off food to NHS workers.

Dominique Ansel Bakery is contributing meals, free school meals and offering NHS, the police and emergency services a 50% discount on takeaway products as well as a place to visit for a complimentary tea or coffee.

Las Iguanas is offering 40% off takeaway food for NHS workers plus a free can of Coke with every order!


Free School Meals from Lebanese Bakery and Dominique Ansel Bakery
To help those children off school, and missing out on free school meals they would normally be entitled to, these two bakeries are offering all children usually entitled to them, a free meal on weekdays before 1pm during the COVID19 crisis.

“Covid-19 is an existential threat to the UK’s most vulnerable families,” said the group’s COO Simon Wright. “If we at QOOT can go some way in relieving that threat, then at least there will be some positive to rise from this tragic time for the hospitality industry and our nation as a whole.”


Charity Fundraising
From the team behind 10 Greek Street speciality craft beer company Braybrooke, together with retailers Biercraft, have teamed up with restaurants including Salon, Quality Chop House, and BAO, to launch a weekly series of curated beer cases. £3 from each case will be donated to charities such as Turn2us and Hospitality Action.

The Sun Tavern and Discount Suit Company are selling double value gift vouchers with no expiration date, when purchased for any NHS worker. Bar Douro will donate £1 per every bottle of wine sold to aid eligible hospitality workers suddenly facing hardship.

Tilda Rice goes 24/7
All in London User Jayne works for Tilda Rice in Rainham, whose manufacturing, mill and packing halls are all currently working 24/7 to keep the supply of their rice flowing into the nation's stores.

"Whilst working flat-out the company have also taken on all the social distancing measures required for their staff to work safely, and have kept all their prices at the existing levels." she says.

Companies like Tilda are operating flat out up and down the country, and we want to say a big "THANK YOU" to Jayne and all her colleagues, who are working hard in the food industry at this critical time.

Image Credit (The Gentlemen Baristas)

Published Apr 9, 2020