Hospitality businesses have faced unprecedented challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdowns, fear of the virus, and restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars having to limit their services to takeaway & delivery only have contributed to the decline of many businesses' revenue.

We spoke to Freddie, Head Chef at Balham's Brickwood Coffee and Bread to hear how the reinforced restrictions have impacted him. 

“This has been a rubbish year for a lot of chefs. But I suppose I’m one of the luckier ones since I’m still able to work the hours I regularly had before and above all, I’m able to provide for my family. I have my own challenges though. We’re running on a skeleton team – usually there are four of us in the kitchen but because of lockdown, it’s now mostly me working in the kitchen alone. I sometimes get lonely. It’s all quite strange really and is taking some getting used to.”

“Even worse are the late government announcements which have meant that ordering and preparing correct stock has been a nightmare. How are we supposed to reschedule and cancel food deliveries when we’ve been given barely any notice? It’s honestly so stressful.”

“But I’ve always wanted to be a chef, ever since I was a kid. So even despite the new challenges and stresses, I still love my job. I can only hope that this new year brings a bit more positivity for this industry.”

Thanks to Freddie for giving us an insight into the challenges faced working in the hospitality sector in these times.

Brickwood Coffee and Bread is located at 11 Hildreth Street Market, serving takeaways throughout lockdown from 8am-5pm. You'll also find them on Deliveroo.