A round-up of the positive initiatives taken by the hospitality industry in Asia to weather these challenging times.
We are living in interesting times. The impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality business is unprecedented. In light of the unique circumstances we find ourselves in, we thought it would be helpful to gather learnings and insights from industry veterans in hopes that we can help each other out. Have stories and insights to share? Let help one another by emailing updates or news to editor@setthetables.com
Hong Kong
The Old Man (No. 1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019, No. 9 on World’s 50 Best Bars 2019) will be launching drink vouchers. The HK$500, HK$1000, HK$1,500 vouchers purchased will have no expiration date which allows guests to use it anytime. To purchase, DM The Old Man directly via Facebook, Instagram or email Agung here.
Takeaways will also be available whereby guests can call in to order their cocktails for self pick-up at the venue or for delivery. It won’t be just a takeaway bottle or canned cocktail. The team is working hard to provide the full experience of The Old Man bar to guests at home by including garnish, ice/ice blocks alongside disposable bar equipment with clear instructions on how to make the cocktail at home. Visit here for updates.
A Petition to Hong Kong Government
A group of independent business owners, managers, and employees of hospitality operations are rallying together and launched a petition for Hong Kong Government to assist in:
- Immediate support with emergency unemployment benefits to all hourly and salaried workers who have been furloughed during this crisis.
- Temporarily suspend the need for MPF contributions from both employees and employers – both employees and employers desperately need those funds now.
- Call for all Hong Kong Landlords to offer their hospitality business tenants a 40% reduction in rental fees until such time as COVID-19 is no longer an international emergency. We propose that Landlords who kindly agree to doing so should be subsidized by the Hong Kong Government accordingly.
- Call for all Hong Kong Landlords to guarantee their hospitality business tenants that they will not suffer rental increases for any leases that are due for renewal in 2020 or 2021. We know from our previous SARS experience that it took more than 18 months for the hospitality sector to recover from the impacts of SARS on businesses.
- Personal Salaries Tax and Company Tax to be reduced by 50% for the entire duration of the COVID-19 pandemic period; i.e: commencing from January 1st 2020 until such time as the virus is no longer an international emergency.
Support Hong Kong industry peers in signing the petition here.
Malaysia
Platform Hospitality Group brings together forward-thinking concepts through unique design, welcoming hospitality, and of course, incredible flavours. Notable brands include Entier French Dining, Pacific Standard Bar, The Lido Rooftop Bar, Botanica + Co., Botanica Deli, Alila Bangsar.
Only Botanica+Co Alila Bangsar has takeaway and delivery services. The catalogue is online here. Ordering and payment can also be made via e-platform here for contactless order and drive-thru pick up. The team might be selling a round of limited production signature Entier butter.
Dewakan The first Malaysian restaurant on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant 2019 launched its very own Gift Card. To purchase here. Dewakan is a combination of two Malay words: ‘Dewa,’ meaning God, and ‘Makan,’ meaning both simply ‘food’ and ‘to eat’. In other words, ‘food from God’. Chef Darren and his team take great care in showcasing rare ingredients from peninsular Malaysia and elevate them into fine dining dishes.
Coley Cocktail Bar Your favourite Bangsar (Kuala Lumpur) bar is delivering to your doorstep. Featuring “koktel” in a can with six to choose from – Pisco & Roselle, Vodka & Salted Plum, Brandy & Air Mata Kuching, Tequila & Asam Jawa, Gin & Coconut and Rum & Jambu. Delivery starts from 12pm to 6pm (last call at 4:30pm) except Sunday. Minimum order of 6 cans and above while stocks last, online payment only.
The team also launched a selection of spirit-forward cocktails to the menu, and they’re packaged with a serving of clear ice (exactly like the ones you get in Coley!).
Coley cash vouchers are available for sale and to be redeemed when the Movement Control Order is lifted. RM100 vouchers will be sold at RM80, RM200 vouchers for RM150. WhatsApp or call to order at +6019-270 9179.
Thailand
Le Du Bangkok “Our business down 70% in these 2 months. Which means 70% fewer service charges for the team. We are trying to stay positive. This is the time to create new menus and improve services. Don’t let your standard drop, instead let’s set the bar higher.” Chef Ton, founder of Le Du (No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2020). Le Du is converting their signature dishes to takeaways, bringing Le Du experience to homes. Guests can even try plating their own favourite Le Du dishes at home! Their signature dish khao kluk kapi (stir-fried rice with shrimp paste) and fat-oozing river prawn is available to enjoy at home. For orders, call +669-2919 9969. Pick up time is from 5:30pm to 9:30pm daily.
Chef Ton also posted DIY plating tutorials you can make at home with Le Du takeaways here
Thaan Charcoal Cooking “Everyone is badly affected by Covid-19 and lockdown. At bare minimum, we have to ensure our food standards live up to our name with our takeaway menu. We still want our customers to have a Thaan experience at home.” Bank Winyarat, co-founder of Thaan Charcoal Cooking. Takeaway menu are available for order via LINE @thaan31bangkok. Delivery time is from 10.30am to 9.30am Monday to Saturday
100 Mahaseth x Pho Marrow. Two beloved brands of Bangkok launched #100smilemeals. A community initiative in serving meals to the doctors, nurses and industry peers that are making ends meet. How can you help? With a donation a minimum of 250 baht for a set of 5 meals, you will be helping in putting money back into the system to purchase produce from farmers, market vendors, in turn allowing their staff to cook and keep busy, whilst feeding those in need. For more information, contact 100 Mahaseth and Pho Marrow via LINE
Donate to: NUAPUNLAHN CO., LTD, KASIKORN THAI BANK, LANGSUAN BRANCH
Account No. : 025-1-50837-2
Singapore
Jigger & Pony Group has been widely acknowledged as one of the pioneers in Singapore’s fast-growing cocktail industry. And with four consecutive years on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, Jigger & Pony has consistently been at the forefront of presenting classic cocktails prepared with artisanal spirits sourced from around the world. Not one to rest on its laurels, the Jigger & Pony Group has launched several establishments: Caffe Fernet, Live Twice, Gibson, Humpback
As of today, Caffe Fernet is still operating as usual and launched new lunch and dinner menus. Caffe Fernet also launched a food drive to help the community for the month of April:
COMO Dempsey restaurants launched vouchers in denominations of SGD50 and SGD100. The vouchers can be utilised at Candlenut, COMO Cuisine, Ippoh Tempura By Ginza Ippoh, The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar and COMO Marketplace. You may purchase here Takeaway menus are also available across all its brands. Refer here for delivery times and more details.
#safefnbsingapore F&B operators, owners, and employees of Singapore come together and launch #safefnbsingapore. An awareness campaign to save the industry.
Compiled by Theresa Burhan. We will continue to compile. Have stories, news and insights to share? Help one another by sending your updates to editor@setthetables.com
