in tears over the tiers

‘Betrayed’ was the word I used in my BBC Radio interview last week. It is the word that I and my fellow hospitality business owners and supply chain businesses feel sums up going into tier 3.

Before Lockdown 2.0 we were in Tier 2. After lockdown we are in Tier 3. Yet the infection rate is falling?

I felt so betrayed I penned a letter to our Derbyshire Dales MP, Sarah Dines, which has had the support of over 51 local hospitality and supply chain businesses.

You can hear me speak to Howard Pressman on BBC Radio Sheffield last week on the listen again feature below.

My interview is 3 hours and 10 mins into the programme.

Thank you to everyone who shared our social media posts and helped us gain exposure in the media. We just want what is fair and at this point as it does not seem fair that in the Derbyshire Dales we are tiered as per the region. Thank you also to Rheia Smith from Derbyshire Live for this interview.

Do you like my angry/sad face for the picture? They didn’t want the happy ones from when we first opened.

The Secret Diary of a Lone Hotelier Aged 36 and 1/2

There’s this phrase that people keep asking one another “How have you found lockdown?"

I’ll be honest – even though it’s been stressful and a worry I have remained positive and upbeat in lockdown 2.0. I’m very mindful that this is a pandemic. People have lost loved ones. We all just want to see our nation well, back to normal and not stretch the NHS any further.

I’ve been here Kevin McCallister style Monday to Thursday, minus the bad guys, rattling around the place getting on with new and exciting jobs.

On Fridays, our head chef Adrian comes in to start the takeaway meals and I’m like the I’m a Celebrity campmates when they come back from trials with 12 stars – euphoric, relieved and safe in the knowledge we are about to help everyone eat like kings.

When not cooking with Adrian, fielding queries, posting gift vouchers or getting lightning fast at typing replies to emails, I’ve been doing a bit of painting, cooking meals for myself, sampling the best of the wine list in front of the fire and I’ve got good at layering up! 

I mean, there’s no point putting the expensive heating on in a hotel for one man and his dog so I’ve also got good at the art of keeping the fire going. (Who knew it was a complete science!).

You might have seen me if you’ve popped in for gift vouchers or to collect takeaways. I’ve had some lovely chats with people as George and I have headed out for our daily walks. I made sure I committed to getting out walking every day for the good of my mental health and Stanage Edge has been my solace.

While we don’t know what will happen with the tier system and we don’t know when we will be able to reopen, we will not be defeated and we shall continue with the happy, positive and fighting spirit that keeps us going.

So what can we do? We can keep going and bring Christmas to YOU!

Head chef Agrian Gagea and I got our heads together last Sunday to create the most uplifting eat-at-home festive menu for our esteemed customers.

Everything is made and presented in a way that is easy to heat up at home. Why not get your family around a Zoom call and each get your own festive meal to enjoy on webcam together? Or if you would ordinarily have an office party at this time of year, why not treat your staff to a Zoom festive meal together.

I know it really isn’t the same but having great food, great wine and great virtual company is what we could all do with right now.

If you don’t fancy the full 4-course she-bang why not indulge in festive afternoon tea?

takeaway food

Our weekly themed takeaway menu will continue throughout December each Friday – Sunday.

Look out for the choices every Monday here on the website.

This week it is:

• Japanese Katsu curry
• Handmade burgers in brioche buns
• Slow cooked casserole in red wine with dumplings

See the full menu here.

FESTIVE 4 course meals & Afternoon Tea

We will be providing the Christmas at-home meals to takeaway throughout December on:

• Friday 11th
• Saturday 12th
• Friday 18th
• Saturday 19th

For corporate bookings or bookings over 20, we can also cater for you mid-week when booked in advance. Please get in touch.

Festive afternoon tea will be available on the above dates and also from Friday 18th – Thursday 24th December when pre-ordered.

CHRISTMAS DAY TO YOUR DOOR

We are currently working with suppliers and mulling over some ideas for the best festive dinner to your door.

Available on Christmas Day for collection and delivery within a 5 mile radius (to anyone vulnerable, isolating or unable to travel).

Look out for the menu announcement next week and get your Christmas day orders in!

GIFT VOUCHERS

Give the gift of great food and wine at home with gift vouchers from The Maynard.

Available in any denomination from £10 upwards, we can post out to you or your recipient.

Thank you so much for your continued support of us here at The Maynard, we feel very valued and a part of the community.

We wish you the best as we move into Tier 3 and hope to be fully open and operational as soon as infection rates allow.

Rob Hattersley
Managing director – The Maynard