Coronavirus: the positive hospitality industry moves

- Chefs including Sally Abe, Ollie Templeton, Adam Handling, Anna Haugh and Tom Griffiths have united to spearhead the Hospitality for Heroes initiative​​. Founded by OtherClub CEO Oli Coles, Hospitality for Heroes began life as an Instagram-based “nominate” challenge, whereby chefs challenge one another to share a recipe to encourage creative and healthy cooking at home. This initiative has enabled chefs to use their culinary skills to prioritise preparing healthy and nourishing dishes for London’s frontline NHS workforce, whilst simultaneously supporting local suppliers, boosting morale and keeping kitchens operational. The initiative is currently helping to produce more than 2,800 ‘restaurant quality’ meals a week to feed NHS workers, and has raised more than £15,000.

- Restaurant technology solutions company QSR Automations has launched a piece of software that’s free for businesses to use for the duration of the Coronavirus crisis. ConnectSmart Go is a management platform that streamlines the off-premise order process, providing an at-a-glance view of what's coming in and going out and organising the flow of orders. ConnectSmart ​Go is our way of helping operators in their time of need,” says QSR Automations founder and CEO Lee Leet. “With takeout and delivery options as the most viable way to sustain right now, this technology can help operators with the surge in off-premise orders and ease the transitional burden.”

- South-Bermondsey based brewery Small Beer has launched an on-trade ‘Small Acts of Kindness’ initiative dedicated to celebrating subtle gestures that have made someone else's day. The scheme has now been extended to feature a 'Hospitality Edition', capturing moments of strength and support that are continuously being shared across the industry. 'Small Acts of Kindness - Hospitality Edition' invites anyone from the on-trade to nominate a colleague, boss or friend for a gesture that has been a source of reassurance and support throughout this difficult time. Small Beer are pledging 50 cases of beer to reach winning nominations to give just a little something back to the people who make up the frontline of the incredible hospitality industry. To nominate someone in your workforce, click here​​.

- Wholesale butchers Aubrey Allen is looking for chefs to help out with its scheme to produce meals for the homeless and more vulnerable in Leamington Spa and Warwick. The company has joined forces with local charities Helping Hands and Leamington Night Shelter to help distribute the food, and is currently producing 1,400 meals a week. “f there are any chefs that can offer help or kitchens please do get in touch,” says Russell Allen, managing director of Aubrey Allen. “Produce can be provided. With your help we can help to feed those who are homeless and in need. The response so far has been wonderful, and I would like to sincerely thank all suppliers, restaurants and schools who have helped us so far.”

- Casual Dining Group brand Bella Italia has committed to providing 1,000 free meals to NHS staff serving on the frontline during the Coronavirus crisis this month. Dedicated Bella Italia team members reopened the company’s South Kensington branch and are working with Deliveroo to provide the meals every week over the next month, as part of the delivery provider’s campaign​​ to make 500,000 free meals for NHS workers.