One amazing day last September a coalition of UK charities staged the nation’s first National Hospitality Day. Thousands of venues across the UK took part showcasing their offer, celebrating their customers, staff and the vital role hospitality plays in all of our lives, and raising over £50,000 for the partner charities in the process.
National Hospitality Day returns for a second year on September 16th 2022. Once again it will be a showcase of our brilliant and resilient hospitality industry and the wonderful people who work within it.
We’re calling on operators to do what they do best, delight their customers and show people a good time. All we ask is that they fundraise to make a small contribution towards the partner charities. Fundraising doesn’t have to be complex and this year we’re encouraging businesses to offer guests a free signature drink or dish and asking the customer to pay-it-forward to National Hospitality Day via a QR code. Of course, it doesn’t have to stop there; fundraising events, new dishes, summer cocktails, special menus and staff parties are already being planned.
As the industry navigates the cost-of-living crisis and acute staffing shortages, National Hospitality Day is an opportunity to remind the public of the huge role the industry plays in our local communities and in the wider economy, enriching lives and creating livelihoods.
The sector’s main charities have partnered to create National Hospitality Day, The Drinks Trust, Hospitality Action, The Licensed Trade Charity and The Springboard Charity all of whom have seen a huge increase in demand for their services over recent years.
National Hospitality Day was launched not only to give the public a reminder of the fantastic experiences available in their own communities but also to celebrate how our brilliant and resilient industry clubs together to help its own people in times of crisis. The initiative also enjoys the support of the sector’s main associations and bodies including UKHospitality, The Institute of Hospitality, the British Beer & Pub Association and the British Institute of Innkeeping.
Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, which conceived the concept, said: “The last couple of years have shown us just how much richer our lives are having hospitality in them. The first National Hospitality Day was an inspirational showcase of our resilient sector and the brilliant people who work within it. We want to throw the mother of all parties this September to help our industry continue its recovery and support the people whose lives have gone backwards over the last few years.”
Jim Brewster, Licensed Trade Charity said. “Our favourite hospitality venues sit at the heart of our communities, and they give us the places where we love to celebrate, commiserate, and get together with our friends, family, and colleagues. The Licensed Trade Charity is proud to support licensed hospitality people across the UK and to be part of National Hospitality Day, a fantastic celebration of those places that we all love.”
Ross Carter, The Drinks Trust said. “There has never been a more important time for the nation to gather together to celebrate and recognise the hospitality industry. The Drinks Trust is proud to be part of the second National Hospitlaity Day, and we would call on all operators, brands and suppliers to champion our vibrant industry, the people who work in it, and also help to encourage a new generation to join us.”
Chris Gamm, Chief Executive of The Springboard Charity said: “After the success of last year’s National Hospitality Day, we can’t wait to see what exciting and creative activities our hospitality teams across the country come up with to celebrate hospitality, support our charities and showcase this brilliant industry to our future workforce.”
Every hospitality business can take part, from a roadside chip van to a huge nightclub. We want to encourage every cafe, pub, bar, hotel, restaurant, foodservice outlet, and visitor attraction to sign up and celebrate what they offer.
By supporting National Hospitality Day, the public can provide a vital injection of trade which could save their favourite places from closure.
Hospitality businesses looking to participate in National Hospitality Day can register their interest at www.nationalhospitalityday.org.uk.