cityam--2020-07-31--Byron saved from bankruptcy but 650 staff to be axed

Burger chain Byron has been saved from bankruptcy this afternoon after it was bought by Calveton UK , with current investors taking a minority stake .
However , more than half of the popular high street restaurant ’ s stores and employees will be axed as a result of the deal .
Read more : Burger chain Byron heads for administration with 1,200 jobs on the line Only 20 of Byron ’ s 51 restaurants will continue to trade , with 651 staff to be made redundant as a result of the closures .
The remaining 551 employees will transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ KPMG said in a statement .
During the coronavirus pandemic , the majority of Byron ’ s staff have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme .
Sky News first reported the deal , which was completed through a pre-pack administration process earlier this afternoon .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Sandeep Vyas of new owner Calveton said : “ Byron is a pioneering brand much loved by customers across the UK .
“ We are backing Byron because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , and it is well placed to adapt to the new consumer environment and dining trends .
“ We will continue to bring Byron ’ s great tasting food to customers in restaurants and via digital on-demand platforms , whether they are at work , home or on the high street and we look forward to working with the team.
” Read more : Cafe Rouge and Bella Italia owner cuts 1,900 jobs as it collapses into administration The UK ’ s high street chains have been hammered by the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a second wave and the requirement for social distancing causing a spate of bankruptcies .
In recent weeks , Casual Dining Group , the owner of Las Iguanas and Café Rouge , and Bella Italia-owner Azzurri Group have all fallen into administration .

Byron saved from bankruptcy but 650 staff to be axed
Burger chain Byron has been saved from bankruptcy this afternoon after it was bought by Calveton UK, with current investors taking a minority stake.
However, more than half of the popular high street restaurant’s stores and employees will be axed as a result of the deal.
Only 20 of Byron’s 51 restaurants will continue to trade, with 651 staff to be made redundant as a result of the closures.
The remaining 551 employees will transfer over to the new owners, administrator KPMG said in a statement.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the majority of Byron’s staff have been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Sky News first reported the deal, which was completed through a pre-pack administration process earlier this afternoon.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Sandeep Vyas of new owner Calveton said: “Byron is a pioneering brand much loved by customers across the UK.
“We are backing Byron because we believe it has great opportunity ahead of it, and it is well placed to adapt to the new consumer environment and dining trends.
“We will continue to bring Byron’s great tasting food to customers in restaurants and via digital on-demand platforms, whether they are at work, home or on the high street and we look forward to working with the team.”
The UK’s high street chains have been hammered by the coronavirus pandemic, with uncertainty over reopening, fears of a second wave and the requirement for social distancing causing a spate of bankruptcies.
In recent weeks, Casual Dining Group, the owner of Las Iguanas and Café Rouge, and Bella Italia-owner Azzurri Group have all fallen into administration.


cityam--2020-07-31--City grandees recognised in latest Honours list

A number of the City ’ s most prominent figures have been awarded peerages in the Queen ’ s latest honours list .
Dame Helena Morrissey , founder of the 30 % Club and one of the City ’ s best-known fund managers , will become a baroness , having been nominated by Johnson .
Read more : London ’ s bowling alleys , comedy clubs and arts venues slam fresh lockdown as life-threatening The Prime Minister also nominated billionaire Michael Spencer , the founder of ICAP and new chairman of think-tank the Centre for Policy Studies .
Across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Woodley will join the Lords after being nominated by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer .
Brexit Party MEP and founder of the think-tank the Institute of Ideas Claire Fox has also been made a baroness , with a non-affiliated peerage .
She founded the Institute of Ideas after the collapse of the Revolutionary Communist party ( RCP ) magazine she used to co-publish , Living Marxism .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data It closed in 2000 after being sued for libel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had fabricated evidence of Serb atrocities against Bosnian muslims .
One of the PM ’ s closest advisers , Sir Edward Lister , who served as one of Johnson ’ s deputy mayors when he ran London , also joins the upper house .
A number of prominent journalists make up the rest of the list , including former Telegraph and Spectator editor Charles Moore .
Moore , who was Johnson ’ s editor during his time at the Telegraph , will sit as an independent lord .
Read more : Still safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , despite reopening pause Businessman and journalist Evgeny Lebedev , who owns the Independent and the Evening Standard , as well as TV channel London Live , joins the Lords as a crossbencher .
The full list is published here .

City grandees recognised in latest Honours list
A number of the City’s most prominent figures have been awarded peerages in the Queen’s latest honours list.
Dame Helena Morrissey, founder of the 30% Club and one of the City’s best-known fund managers, will become a baroness, having been nominated by Johnson.
The Prime Minister also nominated billionaire Michael Spencer, the founder of ICAP and new chairman of think-tank the Centre for Policy Studies.
Across the aisle, former Unite general secretary Tony Woodley will join the Lords after being nominated by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
Brexit Party MEP and founder of the think-tank the Institute of Ideas Claire Fox has also been made a baroness, with a non-affiliated peerage.
She founded the Institute of Ideas after the collapse of the Revolutionary Communist party (RCP) magazine she used to co-publish, Living Marxism.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
It closed in 2000 after being sued for libel by ITN for falsely claiming its journalists had fabricated evidence of Serb atrocities against Bosnian muslims.
One of the PM’s closest advisers, Sir Edward Lister, who served as one of Johnson’s deputy mayors when he ran London, also joins the upper house.
A number of prominent journalists make up the rest of the list, including former Telegraph and Spectator editor Charles Moore.
Moore, who was Johnson’s editor during his time at the Telegraph, will sit as an independent lord.
Businessman and journalist Evgeny Lebedev, who owns the Independent and the Evening Standard, as well as TV channel London Live, joins the Lords as a crossbencher.
The full list is published here.


cityam--2020-07-31--London’s bowling alleys, comedy clubs and arts venues slam fresh lockdown as life-threatening

London venues have slammed the Prime Minister ’ s decision to U-turn on plans to reopen tomorrow as “ pulling the rug out ” from underneath them .
In a press conference today , Boris Johnson said plans to reopen venues tomorrow will be pushed back until at least 15 August , following a sharp spike in coronavirus infections .
Read more : Lockdown in north-west England : What are the new rules ?
Night clubs , casinos , comedy clubs , and sports venues will now be forced to remain shuttered for at least a fortnight , following more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control , ” said Johnson .
“ I ’ m really sorry about that but we simply can not take the risk.
” Hollywood Bowl , the UK ’ s largest ten pin bowling operator with 60 venues across the country including in three in London , said the decision was “ incredibly disappointing and unexpected ” .
Chief executive Stephen Burns said : “ There is absolutely no scientific evidence to suggest that bowling is less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to reopen and remain open .
“ We have taken every possible precaution to make sure our customers can socially distance in our spacious centres with extensive hygiene protocols in place .
To hear this news at the last minute is devastating for our team members and customers looking forward to returning.
” The move marks a sharp U-turn in plans to ease lockdown measures , following a heavy rise in infections across the country .
Official figures released today showed a spike in the number of new coronavirus cases across England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) showed there were around 4,200 new infections in the community per day between 20 July and 26 July .
Announcing the extension of lockdown measures today , Johnson said : “ We just can ’ t afford to avoid this evidence.
” Brid Kirby , chair of the Live Comedy Association ( LCA ) , told City A.M. he was “ extremely frustrated ” by the Prime Minister ’ s announcement .
“ While public safety must remain the primary concern from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement made with less than 24 hours notice.
” Comedy clubs had been given the green light to reopen tomorrow having remain closed since March , until the PM made the drastic decision to reverse plans this afternoon with just hours to go .
“ This change shows a lack of understanding about how live comedy and the wider performing arts operate .
The industry can not begin to rebuild if guidance can change this last minute .
This means more jobs and more income lost for the foreseeable future.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LCA found that nearly 80 per cent of comedy clubs could shut permanently in the next year due to Covid-related closures .
One third of live comedy venues believe they will be forced to close in the next six months without business according to the survey , while almost 78 per cent say that they will be gone within a year .
Live performance venues have remained shuttered despite pubs and bars being allowed to reopen , over concerns that instruments , singing and loud music might exacerbate the spread of infection .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ London ’ s Phoenix Arts Club in the West End , told City A.M. the PM ’ s decision “ pulled the rug from under us ” .
“ [ It is ] with a heavy heart and a broken bank balance we must announce that we will remain closed until we are certain that indoor live performance is permitted.
” Wright joined a raft of venues blasting the government ’ s decision to U-turn at such short notice , but said the move will particularly affect ticketed venues .
“ A ticketed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead time and it is unacceptable to order us closed the day before reopening , ” Wright said .
He added that unlike walk-in businesses such as bowling alleys and casinos , ticketed venues are legally obliged to refund customers for booked events .
The Phoenix Arts Club boss expressed concern at Johnson ’ s hesitance to provide a firm reopening date for venues to reopen .
The PM said casinos , bowling alleys and sporting venues must stay shuttered until “ at least 15 August ” , and that the decision will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s decision has left us uneasy about preparing for a reopening until the government can guarantee , rather than ‘ consider ’ , a firm opening date , ” said Wright .
London ’ s casinos today slammed the lockdown extension as “ sickening ” , warning that it would eat into already-precarious finances .
Simon Thomas , chief executive and owner of London ’ s Hippodrome Casino , told City A.M. he felt “ somewhere between crying and being sick ” .
“ It ’ s appalling .
We ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to reopen , when we ’ re fully ready to go , ” said Thomas .
The Hippodrome Casino was opened in 2012 by then-mayor of London Boris Johnson , who described it as “ yet another ringing endorsement of London as a great place to invest ” and praised it for creating “ hundreds of new jobs for the capital ” .
Sarah Sculpher , chief marketing officer for Caesars Entertainment , which owns London ’ s Empire Casino in Leicester Square , said the announcement today “ beggars belief ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re just hugely disappointed .
We were expecting perhaps that the Manchester casino might be closed down and a more regionalized approach would be taken .
“ It just beggars belief really .
All of the employees were brought back on Monday for training to go through all of the new protocols and the operational measures that we ’ ve put in place.
” Night clubs , casinos , comedy clubs and other night time venues make up the UK ’ s fifth-biggest industry , according to data from the Night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain ’ s night time venues account for at least eight per cent of the UK ’ s employment and contribute annual revenues of more than £66bn .
And the high concentration of night time venues in the capital means today ’ s decision will likely affect London in particular .
London ’ s night time economy directly supports 723,000 jobs — one in eight in the capital , according to the Office for National Statistics .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said today ’ s swift U-turn “ puts into sharp focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to normal for some time.
” The mayor added that he has spoken to health secretary Matt Hancock about what the changes mean for London .
Read more : Casinos blast new lockdown measures as ‘ sickening ’ “ It is now even more vital that Londoners continue to follow all the guidance and maintain social distancing at all times , ” said Khan .
“ The easing of lockdown was always dependent on ensuring we kept this virus under control and avoiding a second wave which would have devastating health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and country .
It ’ s crucial that we all do what we can to avoid a second wave leading to another lockdown.
” Before the Open : Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter

London’s bowling alleys, comedy clubs and arts venues slam fresh lockdown as life-threatening
London venues have slammed the Prime Minister’s decision to U-turn on plans to reopen tomorrow as “pulling the rug out” from underneath them.
In a press conference today, Boris Johnson said plans to reopen venues tomorrow will be pushed back until at least 15 August, following a sharp spike in coronavirus infections.
Night clubs, casinos, comedy clubs, and sports venues will now be forced to remain shuttered for at least a fortnight, following more than five months of closure during lockdown.
“We should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control,” said Johnson. “I’m really sorry about that but we simply cannot take the risk.”
Bowling alleys
Hollywood Bowl, the UK’s largest ten pin bowling operator with 60 venues across the country including three in London, said the decision was “incredibly disappointing and unexpected”.
Chief executive Stephen Burns said: “There is absolutely no scientific evidence to suggest that bowling is less safe than other activities which have been allowed to reopen and remain open.
“We have taken every possible precaution to make sure our customers can socially distance in our spacious centres with extensive hygiene protocols in place. To hear this news at the last minute is devastating for our team members and customers looking forward to returning.”
The move marks a sharp U-turn in plans to ease lockdown measures, following a heavy rise in infections across the country.
Official figures released today showed a spike in the number of new coronavirus cases across England for the first time since April.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed there were around 4,200 new infections in the community per day between 20 July and 26 July.
Announcing the extension of lockdown measures today, Johnson said: “We just can’t afford to avoid this evidence.”
Bowling alleys in the UK have been forced to remain closed since March
Comedy clubs
Brid Kirby, chair of the Live Comedy Association (LCA), told City A.M. he was “extremely frustrated” by the Prime Minister’s announcement.
“While public safety must remain the primary concern from the government, we are extremely frustrated by the announcement made with less than 24 hours notice.”
Comedy clubs had been given the green light to reopen tomorrow having remain closed since March, until the PM made the drastic decision to reverse plans this afternoon with just hours to go.
Nearly 80 per cent of comedy clubs could shut permanently in the next year due to Covid-related closures
“This change shows a lack of understanding about how live comedy and the wider performing arts operate. The industry cannot begin to rebuild if guidance can change this last minute. This means more jobs and more income lost for the foreseeable future.”
A report released earlier this month by the LCA found that nearly 80 per cent of comedy clubs could shut permanently in the next year due to Covid-related closures.
One third of live comedy venues believe they will be forced to close in the next six months without business according to the survey, while almost 78 per cent say that they will be gone within a year.
Arts clubs
Live performance venues have remained shuttered despite pubs and bars being allowed to reopen, over concerns that instruments, singing and loud music might exacerbate the spread of infection.
Ken Wright, managing director of the London’s Phoenix Arts Club in the West End, told City A.M. the PM’s decision “pulled the rug from under us”.
“[It is] with a heavy heart and a broken bank balance we must announce that we will remain closed until we are certain that indoor live performance is permitted.”
Wright joined a raft of venues blasting the government’s decision to U-turn at such short notice, but said the move will particularly affect ticketed venues.
“A ticketed industry requires at least a four week lead time and it is unacceptable to order us closed the day before reopening,” Wright said.
He added that unlike walk-in businesses such as bowling alleys and casinos, ticketed venues are legally obliged to refund customers for booked events.
The Phoenix Arts Club boss expressed concern at Johnson’s hesitance to provide a firm reopening date for venues to reopen. The PM said casinos, bowling alleys and sporting venues must stay shuttered until “at least 15 August”, and that the decision will be reviewed where appropriate.
“Today’s decision has left us uneasy about preparing for a reopening until the government can guarantee, rather than ‘consider’, a firm opening date,” said Wright.
Casinos
London’s casinos today slammed the lockdown extension as “sickening”, warning that it would eat into already-precarious finances.
Simon Thomas, chief executive and owner of London’s Hippodrome Casino, told City A.M. he felt “somewhere between crying and being sick”.
“It’s appalling. We’re getting this news 12 hours from being allowed to reopen, when we’re fully ready to go,” said Thomas.
Casinos have blasted the government’s decision to ban them from reopening as “arbitrary”
The Hippodrome Casino was opened in 2012 by then-mayor of London Boris Johnson, who described it as “yet another ringing endorsement of London as a great place to invest” and praised it for creating “hundreds of new jobs for the capital”.
Sarah Sculpher, chief marketing officer for Caesars Entertainment, which owns London’s Empire Casino in Leicester Square, said the announcement today “beggars belief”.
Sculpher told City A.M: “We’re just hugely disappointed. We were expecting perhaps that the Manchester casino might be closed down and a more regionalized approach would be taken.
“It just beggars belief really. All of the employees were brought back on Monday for training to go through all of the new protocols and the operational measures that we’ve put in place.”
London business
Night clubs, casinos, comedy clubs and other night time venues make up the UK’s fifth-biggest industry, according to data from the Night Times Industries Association (NTIA).
Britain’s night time venues account for at least eight per cent of the UK’s employment and contribute annual revenues of more than £66bn.
And the high concentration of night time venues in the capital means today’s decision will likely affect London in particular.
The new lockdown measures will likely affect London in particular
London’s night time economy directly supports 723,000 jobs — one in eight in the capital, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said today’s swift U-turn “puts into sharp focus that things still won’t be returning to normal for some time.”
The mayor added that he has spoken to health secretary Matt Hancock about what the changes mean for London.
“It is now even more vital that Londoners continue to follow all the guidance and maintain social distancing at all times,” said Khan.
“The easing of lockdown was always dependent on ensuring we kept this virus under control and avoiding a second wave which would have devastating health, social and economic consequences for our city and country. It’s crucial that we all do what we can to avoid a second wave leading to another lockdown.”
Before the Open: Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter


cityam--2020-07-31--Still safe to return to work, Boris Johnson says, despite reopening pause

Businesses will still be allowed “ more discretion ” on whether to make employees return to work from next week , Boris Johnson confirmed today , despite delaying the easing of lockdown for many leisure activities .
However , the Prime Minister insisted that if employers did not make sure their workplaces were safe they could face legal punishment .
Read more : PM postpones Saturday lockdown easing for two weeks as coronavirus cases rise “ If employers don ’ t keep their workplaces Covid-secure then that ’ s a matter that can be enforced in law ” , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard on people who are not doing the right thing ” , he said , when asked about people who might be apprehensive about returning to the office as cases rise .
“ I want to see people discussing with their employers , whether they can work from home , because a lot of people can .
A lot of people discover that it does work .
“ But if employers think and employees think that you actually need to get in to be productive , and you need to be at your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very very important consideration .
“ And if it is safe to get into a Covid-secure workplace , and people should understand that , and that is our guidance ” , he reiterated .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data Johnson ’ s comments came as he hit the brakes on easing the lockdown for “ higher risk ” settings including sports venues , casinos , leisure centres and weddings , following a sharp spike in coronavirus cases .
The PM @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now pause until at least 15 August .
Speaking alongside Johnson , chief medical officer Chris Whitty said that it was likely that the UK had reached the limits of how much of society and the economy it could open without causing infections to rise .
“ We all know that what we have to try and do is to get to the absolute edge of what we can do in terms of opening up society and the economy without getting to the point where the virus starts to take off again , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably reached near the limits , or the limits , of what we can do in terms of opening up society.
” Andrew Secker , employment lawyer and partner at law firm Mills & Reeve , said that businesses would need to have a clear plan in the event of a second lockdown .
Read more : Scotland warns against all travel to north of England after lockdown reimposed “ Employers need to be both flexible and to have a clear plan , being able to react and communicate what changes it needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and consider how to obtain agreement from employees where necessary ” , he said .
Those who repeat mistakes from the first lockdown will find employees far less forgiving and far less accommodating .
”

Still safe to return to work, Boris Johnson says, despite reopening pause
Businesses will still be allowed “more discretion” on whether to make employees return to work from next week, Boris Johnson confirmed today, despite delaying the easing of lockdown for many leisure activities.
However, the Prime Minister insisted that if employers did not make sure their workplaces were safe they could face legal punishment.
“If employers don’t keep their workplaces Covid-secure then that’s a matter that can be enforced in law”, he said.
“We will come down hard on people who are not doing the right thing”, he said, when asked about people who might be apprehensive about returning to the office as cases rise.
“I want to see people discussing with their employers, whether they can work from home, because a lot of people can. A lot of people discover that it does work.
“But if employers think and employees think that you actually need to get in to be productive, and you need to be at your place of work then that’s a very very important consideration.
“And if it is safe to get into a Covid-secure workplace, and people should understand that, and that is our guidance”, he reiterated.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
Johnson’s comments came as he hit the brakes on easing the lockdown for “higher risk” settings including sports venues, casinos, leisure centres and weddings, following a sharp spike in coronavirus cases.
The PM said plans to reopen venues tomorrow will now pause until at least 15 August.
Speaking alongside Johnson, chief medical officer Chris Whitty said that it was likely that the UK had reached the limits of how much of society and the economy it could open without causing infections to rise.
“We all know that what we have to try and do is to get to the absolute edge of what we can do in terms of opening up society and the economy without getting to the point where the virus starts to take off again,” he said.
“We have probably reached near the limits, or the limits, of what we can do in terms of opening up society.”
Andrew Secker, employment lawyer and partner at law firm Mills & Reeve, said that businesses would need to have a clear plan in the event of a second lockdown.
“Employers need to be both flexible and to have a clear plan, being able to react and communicate what changes it needs to make, temporarily or permanently, and consider how to obtain agreement from employees where necessary”, he said.
Those who repeat mistakes from the first lockdown will find employees far less forgiving and far less accommodating.”


cityam--2020-07-31--UK retailers must adapt business models to survive pandemic, experts say

Around half of UK retailers must pivot their businesses in order to avoid collapse during the coronavirus pandemic , industry experts said .
UK retailers need to move away from traditional , store-centric models and embrace online shopping , the latest KPMG Ipsos Retail Think Tank ( RTT ) said .
Read more : Retail vacancies to spike in coming months , experts warn The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated changes that were already happening in the retail sector , such as the increasing demand for online shopping .
The rapid pace of change has seen retailers scramble to adapt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of March 11 per cent of respondents said they were increasing the amount of shopping they were doing online with UK retailers .
By the start of June the percentage had almost trebled to 31 per cent .
Read more : UK retailers warn government coronavirus aid not enough to prevent ‘ imminent collapse ’ KPMG UK head of retail Paul Martin said : “ Looking ahead , there are likely to be six types of businesses that will succeed .
These types of businesses will span multiple sectors and categories and not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have become accustomed to over recent years.
” The “ winning models ” of the future will be international platform ecosystems , multinational retailers evolving into platform businesses , large scale domestic retailers that form partnerships to compete , value-based retailers , brands selling direct to consumer and category specialists , he said .
Martin said : “ I believe as many as 50 per cent of today ’ s retailers do not fit into one of these classifications , and without pivoting into one of these new models , they will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Read more : UK retailers warn shoppers face price hikes if no EU trade deal agreed However the RTT also said the current operational model for home delivery is not economically viable , environmentally friendly or fair in the long term .
“ Changes will inevitably come , whether through further supply chain innovation , cost transfer to the consumer or Government legislation , levies or tax changes , ” it said .

UK retailers must adapt business models to survive pandemic, experts say
Oxford Street during the UK coronavirus lockdown
Around half of UK retailers must pivot their businesses in order to avoid collapse during the coronavirus pandemic, industry experts said.
UK retailers need to move away from traditional, store-centric models and embrace online shopping, the latest KPMG Ipsos Retail Think Tank (RTT) said.
The coronavirus pandemic has accelerated changes that were already happening in the retail sector, such as the increasing demand for online shopping. The rapid pace of change has seen retailers scramble to adapt.
According Ipsos research, at the end of March 11 per cent of respondents said they were increasing the amount of shopping they were doing online with UK retailers.
By the start of June the percentage had almost trebled to 31 per cent.
KPMG UK head of retail Paul Martin said: “Looking ahead, there are likely to be six types of businesses that will succeed. These types of businesses will span multiple sectors and categories and not all will represent the traditional business model we have become accustomed to over recent years.”
The “winning models” of the future will be international platform ecosystems, multinational retailers evolving into platform businesses, large scale domestic retailers that form partnerships to compete, value-based retailers, brands selling direct to consumer and category specialists, he said.
Martin said: “I believe as many as 50 per cent of today’s retailers do not fit into one of these classifications, and without pivoting into one of these new models, they will find it extremely difficult to survive.”
However the RTT also said the current operational model for home delivery is not economically viable, environmentally friendly or fair in the long term.
“Changes will inevitably come, whether through further supply chain innovation, cost transfer to the consumer or Government legislation, levies or tax changes,” it said.


cityam--2020-07-31--London temperature hits 35C on hottest day of year

Temperatures have hit 35 degrees in London today , making it officially the hottest day of the year so far .
And according to the Met Office , the mercury is set to rise further as the afternoon continues .
Read more : Casinos blast new lockdown measures as ‘ sickening ’ In a tweet , the Met Office said : “ It ’ s the hottest day of the year so far… and the temperature will rise further this afternoon.
” However , it has also issued a weather warning for large parts of the south-east and east of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather might not last .
From four o ’ clock , these regions can expect isolated thunderstorms , the Met Office said , which could bring gusty winds and hail .
Before the Open newsletter : Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data There is also the chance of some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes .
In addition , short term losses of power and disruption to train services are possible .
The storms will be caused by hot air moving up from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to be as hot as in the UK .
Read more : Coronavirus in England : What ’ s the R number for your area ?
Looking longer term , colder air is expected over the weekend as a cold front arrives in the UK over the next 24 hours .

London temperature hits 35C on hottest day of year
Temperatures have hit 35 degrees in London today, making it officially the hottest day of the year so far.
And according to the Met Office, the mercury is set to rise further as the afternoon continues.
In a tweet, the Met Office said: “It’s the hottest day of the year so far… and the temperature will rise further this afternoon.”
However, it has also issued a weather warning for large parts of the south-east and east of the UK, suggesting that the glorious weather might not last.
From four o’clock, these regions can expect isolated thunderstorms, the Met Office said, which could bring gusty winds and hail.
Before the Open newsletter: Start your day with the City View podcast and key market data
There is also the chance of some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes.
In addition, short term losses of power and disruption to train services are possible.
The storms will be caused by hot air moving up from continental Europe, where temperatures are not expected to be as hot as in the UK.
Looking longer term, colder air is expected over the weekend as a cold front arrives in the UK over the next 24 hours.


cityam--2020-07-31--Casinos blast new lockdown measures as 'sickening'

Britain ’ s casinos have slammed the Prime Minister ’ s decision to U-turn on plans to ease lockdown restrictions tomorrow as “ sickening ” , warning that business hangs in the balance with venues forced to shut over the critical summer months .
In a press conference today , Boris Johnson said plans to reopen venues tomorrow will be pushed back until at least 15 August , following a sharp spike in coronavirus infections .
Read more : Lockdown in north-west England : What are the new rules ?
Casinos , comedy clubs , sports venues and leisure centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at least a fortnight , following more than five months of closure during lockdown .
“ We should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control , ” said Johnson .
“ I ’ m really sorry about that but we simply can not take the risk.
” Simon Thomas , chief executive and owner of London ’ s Hippodrome Casino , told City A.M. he felt “ somewhere between crying and being sick ” .
“ It ’ s appalling .
We ’ re getting this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen , when we ’ re fully ready to go , ” said Thomas .
“ Businesses like ours are complex machines — they can ’ t just turn them on and off .
It ’ s taken two weeks to get the building up and ready to go and to take hundreds of staff off furlough .
We ’ ve got bars , restaurants and ATMs all stocked and ready.
” The Hippodrome Casino was opened in 2012 by then-mayor of London Boris Johnson , who described it as “ yet another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to invest ” and praised it for creating “ hundreds of new jobs for the capital ” .
However , Thomas said the fresh lockdown restrictions mean business is becoming “ increasingly difficult as furlough is being reduced ” .
“ How do we live with the uncertainty of this dilly dallying as to whether or not we can or can ’ t open ?
I don ’ t envy the government but I do think they should be logical , consistent and follow the evidence rather than these knee-jerk reactions.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caesars Entertainment , which owns London ’ s Empire Casino in Leicester Square , said the announcement today “ beggars belief ” .
Sculpher told City A.M : “ We ’ re just hugely disappointed .
We were expecting perhaps that the Manchester casino might be closed down and a more regionalized approach would be taken .
“ But I think to find out that in less than 24 hours that all of the businesses are closing is a huge shock , especially considering we ’ re an industry already under pressure.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Sculpher added .
“ All of the employees were brought back on Monday for training to go through all of the new protocols and the operational measures that we ’ ve put in place .
“ All our risk assessments have been signed off by the correct authorities and we were given the good to go symbol from Public Health England.
” Sculpher added that Caesars Entertainment ’ s casinos had more robust social distancing measures than those seen in venues already allowed to reopen .
“ Our track and trace system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t just tell you who was in the building that day , it tells you at what time they were in there and what part of the property they were in.
” “ We potentially have to put those staff back on furlough and have already had to make some restructures and cuts in business , ” she added .
Michael Dugher , chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council , echoed Sculpher ’ s comments , adding there was “ no evidence ” casinos pose a higher risk of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement on Twitter , Dugher said : “ What happened to the government ’ s local lockdown strategy ?
Why should a casino business remain closed in Bristol in the south-west where Covid is low , because there ’ s a spike in greater Manchester ?
” Dugher added that the U-turn posed a “ big threat to jobs ” .
Casinos , comedy clubs and other venues in the night time economy make up the UK ’ s fifth-biggest industry , according to data from the Night Times Industries Association ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time venues account for at least eight per cent of the UK ’ s employment and contribute annual revenues of more than £66bn .
Today ’ s decision by the PM will likely affect London in particular .
London ’ s night time economy alone directly supports 723,000 jobs — one in eight in the capital , according to the Office for National Statistics .
A spokesperson for Genting Casinos , which owns casinos in London ’ s Chinatown and Kensington , joined the chorus of venues venting their outrage at the short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ After weeks of meticulous planning , we find it incredible that we have been given less than 24 hours ’ notice as to this change of plan , which in itself has caused huge damage to the business.
” The spokesperson added that every week Genting Casinos venues remained closed cost the firm more than £1.5m .
“ This is clearly not sustainable , with more jobs and livelihoods being put at risk with every last minute change and delay… We absolutely urge the government to reconsider the blanket withdrawal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are still not permitted to re-open.
” Read more : London ’ s nightclubs and casinos slam ‘ suicidal ’ new coronavirus guidelines Claire Walker , the British Chamber of Commerce ’ s co-executive director , slammed the PM ’ s decision to put the brakes on reopening venues as a “ hammer blow to business ” .
“ While tackling the public health emergency must be the priority , these announcements — made at short notice — will be a hammer blow to business and consumer confidence at a time when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back on their feet , ” she said .
“ Businesses communities need as much clarity as possible from government if they are to plan ahead and rebuild their operations in the coming months.
” Before the Open : Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter

Casinos blast new lockdown measures as ‘sickening’
Britain’s casinos have slammed the Prime Minister’s decision to U-turn on plans to ease lockdown restrictions tomorrow as “sickening”, warning that business hangs in the balance with venues forced to shut over the critical summer months.
In a press conference today, Boris Johnson said plans to reopen venues tomorrow will be pushed back until at least 15 August, following a sharp spike in coronavirus infections.
Casinos, comedy clubs, sports venues and leisure centres will now be forced to remain shuttered for at least a fortnight, following more than five months of closure during lockdown.
“We should now squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control,” said Johnson. “I’m really sorry about that but we simply cannot take the risk.”
Simon Thomas, chief executive and owner of London’s Hippodrome Casino, told City A.M. he felt “somewhere between crying and being sick”.
“It’s appalling. We’re getting this news 12 hours from being allowed to reopen, when we’re fully ready to go,” said Thomas.
“Businesses like ours are complex machines — they can’t just turn them on and off. It’s taken two weeks to get the building up and ready to go and to take hundreds of staff off furlough. We’ve got bars, restaurants and ATMs all stocked and ready.”
The Hippodrome Casino was opened in 2012 by then-mayor of London Boris Johnson, who described it as “yet another ringing endorsement of London as a great place to invest” and praised it for creating “hundreds of new jobs for the capital”.
However, Thomas said the fresh lockdown restrictions mean business is becoming “increasingly difficult as furlough is being reduced”.
“How do we live with the uncertainty of this dilly dallying as to whether or not we can or can’t open? I don’t envy the government but I do think they should be logical, consistent and follow the evidence rather than these knee-jerk reactions.”
Sarah Sculpher, chief marketing officer for Caesars Entertainment, which owns London’s Empire Casino in Leicester Square, said the announcement today “beggars belief”.
Sculpher told City A.M: “We’re just hugely disappointed. We were expecting perhaps that the Manchester casino might be closed down and a more regionalized approach would be taken.
“But I think to find out that in less than 24 hours that all of the businesses are closing is a huge shock, especially considering we’re an industry already under pressure.”
“It just beggars belief really,” Sculpher added. “All of the employees were brought back on Monday for training to go through all of the new protocols and the operational measures that we’ve put in place.
“All our risk assessments have been signed off by the correct authorities and we were given the good to go symbol from Public Health England.”
Sculpher added that Caesars Entertainment’s casinos had more robust social distancing measures than those seen in venues already allowed to reopen.
“Our track and trace system was ready to go — and it doesn’t just tell you who was in the building that day, it tells you at what time they were in there and what part of the property they were in.”
“We potentially have to put those staff back on furlough and have already had to make some restructures and cuts in business,” she added.
Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, echoed Sculpher’s comments, adding there was “no evidence” casinos pose a higher risk of spreading coronavirus than other venues.
In a statement on Twitter, Dugher said: “What happened to the government’s local lockdown strategy? Why should a casino business remain closed in Bristol in the south-west where Covid is low, because there’s a spike in greater Manchester?”
Dugher added that the U-turn posed a “big threat to jobs”.
Casinos, comedy clubs and other venues in the night time economy make up the UK’s fifth-biggest industry, according to data from the Night Times Industries Association (NTIA).
Britain’s night time venues account for at least eight per cent of the UK’s employment and contribute annual revenues of more than £66bn.
Today’s decision by the PM will likely affect London in particular.
London’s night time economy alone directly supports 723,000 jobs — one in eight in the capital, according to the Office for National Statistics.
A spokesperson for Genting Casinos, which owns casinos in London’s Chinatown and Kensington, joined the chorus of venues venting their outrage at the short notice U-turn.
Genting told City A.M: “After weeks of meticulous planning, we find it incredible that we have been given less than 24 hours’ notice as to this change of plan, which in itself has caused huge damage to the business.”
The spokesperson added that every week Genting Casinos venues remained closed cost the firm more than £1.5m.
“This is clearly not sustainable, with more jobs and livelihoods being put at risk with every last minute change and delay… We absolutely urge the government to reconsider the blanket withdrawal of the furlough scheme from the affected industries who are still not permitted to re-open.”
Claire Walker, the British Chamber of Commerce’s co-executive director, slammed the PM’s decision to put the brakes on reopening venues as a “hammer blow to business”.
“While tackling the public health emergency must be the priority, these announcements — made at short notice — will be a hammer blow to business and consumer confidence at a time when many firms were just starting to get back on their feet,” she said.
“Businesses communities need as much clarity as possible from government if they are to plan ahead and rebuild their operations in the coming months.”
Before the Open: Get the jump on the markets with our early morning newsletter


cityam--2020-07-31--Coronavirus in England: What's the R number for your area?

Fears of a second wave are growing after it was revealed the coronavirus R number has climbed above one in some parts of England .
The R rate , also known as the reproduction number , measures the average number of people that one infected person can pass the virus on to .
Read more : PM postpones Saturday lockdown easing for two weeks as coronavirus cases rise If the R rate is one or above it will spread exponentially , so government officials use the figures to decide when to ease lockdown measures .
The latest R number for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.8 and 0.9 , and between 0.8 and one for England .
The North West and South West are currently the worst affected regions , with government data suggesting the rate is between 0.8 and 1.1 .
Both regions also lead the country in the highest growth rate , which reflects how quickly the number of infections are changing by the day .
If the growth rate is greater than zero then the pandemic is growing .
The North West ’ s growth rate is estimated to be between -5 per cent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West is estimated between -4 per cent and +1 per cent .
London ’ s R rate is also reaching the threshold , with government data estimating it between 0.8 and one , while its growth rate is between -4 per cent and 0 .
Read more : Lockdown in north-west England : What are the new rules ?
The government has previously said that if the R rate is above one it could lead to lockdown measures being reimposed .
Last night the government announced via Twitter that restrictions would be reimposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of West Yorkshire .
The new rules mean that as of midnight last night people from different households will not be allowed to meet in homes or private gardens .
In a Downing Street briefing this afternoon , the Prime Minister also hit the breaks on the planned easing of restrictions , following a sharp spike in cases .
Plans to reopen venues such as casinos and leisure centres have been postponed by two weeks .
Read more : Scotland warns against all travel to north of England after lockdown reimposed “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we can ’ t fool ourselves that we are exempt .
We must be willing to react to the first signs of trouble , ” said Boris Johnson .
England ’ s chief medical officer , Chris Whitty , went further and said the recent ONS data “ suggests we have reached the limits of what we can do in terms of opening things up in society .
”

Coronavirus in England: What’s the R number for your area?
(Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Fears of a second wave are growing after it was revealed the coronavirus R number has climbed above one in some parts of England.
The R rate, also known as the reproduction number, measures the average number of people that one infected person can pass the virus on to.
If the R rate is one or above it will spread exponentially, so government officials use the figures to decide when to ease lockdown measures.
The latest R number for the whole of the UK is between 0.8 and 0.9, and between 0.8 and one for England.
The North West and South West are currently the worst affected regions, with government data suggesting the rate is between 0.8 and 1.1. Both regions also lead the country in the highest growth rate, which reflects how quickly the number of infections are changing by the day.
If the growth rate is greater than zero then the pandemic is growing. The North West’s growth rate is estimated to be between -5 per cent and +1 per cent, while the South West is estimated between -4 per cent and +1 per cent.
London’s R rate is also reaching the threshold, with government data estimating it between 0.8 and one, while its growth rate is between -4 per cent and 0.
R rate Growth rate percentage per day England 0.8-1 -4 to -1 East of England 0.7-1 -6 to -1 London 0.8-1 -4 to 0 Midlands 0.7-0.9 -6 to -2 North East and Yorkshire 0.7-0.9 -6 to -2 North West 0.8-1.1 -5 to +1 South East 0.8-1 03 to 0 South West 0.8-1.1 -4 to +1 Source: Government Office for Science and Sage
The government has previously said that if the R rate is above one it could lead to lockdown measures being reimposed. Last night the government announced via Twitter that restrictions would be reimposed in Greater Manchester, east Lancashire and parts of West Yorkshire.
The new rules mean that as of midnight last night people from different households will not be allowed to meet in homes or private gardens.
In a Downing Street briefing this afternoon, the Prime Minister also hit the breaks on the planned easing of restrictions, following a sharp spike in cases. Plans to reopen venues such as casinos and leisure centres have been postponed by two weeks.
“As we see rises around the world, we can’t fool ourselves that we are exempt. We must be willing to react to the first signs of trouble,” said Boris Johnson.
England’s chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, went further and said the recent ONS data “suggests we have reached the limits of what we can do in terms of opening things up in society.”


cityam--2020-07-31--British Airways owner IAG seeks €2.75bn raise after €3.8bn loss

British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines ( IAG ) today confirmed it will seek to raise a huge €2.75bn ( £2.49bn ) to act as a coronavirus buffer .
Major 25 per cent shareholder Qatar Airways has committed to participating in the raise , and will get two non-exec board members in exchange for its support .
Read more : BA owner IAG mulls €2.75bn raise by ‘ end of summer ’ IAG said the cash will help bolster its balance sheet after the pandemic wreaked havoc on the aviation industry .
British Airways ’ owner confirmed its intention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half-year loss after tax of €3.8bn , compared to a profit of €806m last year .
“ Our industry is facing an unprecedented crisis and the outlook remains uncertain , ” IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said .
“ However , we strongly believe that now is the time to look to the future and strengthen IAG ’ s financial and strategic position .
While we have had to make tough decisions on both people and costs , these actions are the right ones to protect as many jobs and serve as many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strongest position possible .
“ The industry will recover from this crisis , though we do not expect this to be before 2023 , and there will be opportunities for IAG to capitalise on its strength and leadership positions .
“ We ’ re delighted that our largest shareholder , Qatar Airways , has already committed to support the proposed capital raising , ” Walsh added .
IAG ’ s share price sank 7.5 per cent today as it revealed passenger numbers were 95.3 per cent down year on year .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second quarter , and a €1.9bn operating loss for the first half of 2020 .
In 2019 operating profit hit €1.1bn .
And AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould warned investors piling into the cash raise would be taking “ a leap of faith ” , with BA predicting no recovery to 2019 levels until 2023 .
“ A cash injection will give the British Airways owner short-term breathing space , yet the pace of the airline sector recovery is out of its hands , ” Mould added .
“ It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government decisions on travel restrictions , quarantines and lockdowns in case of new flare-ups .
“ You also need to consider whether there will be an appetite to travel once the crisis eases .
A lot of IAG ’ s sales come from business travellers and there is a big question mark over how much flying this market will need to do , given how this year we ’ ve become accustomed to talking to people around the world by video calls.
” The board confirmed that independent director Javier Ferran will replace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January .
Reuters has reported that IAG wants to complete the raise by the end of summer .
British Airways has announced 12,000 redundancies due to the ongoing worldwide travel restrictions as a result of the crisis .
The airline has not taken a government bailout during the pandemic .
However , it has drawn down £300m from the Bank of England ’ s Corporate Covid Financing Facility .
And sister airlines Vueling and Iberia claimed €1bn from a similar scheme in Spain .
IAG said its liquidity at the end of June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and €2.1bn of undrawn financing .
That was slightly down on the €8.6bn it had in its coffers at the end of 2019 .
But it said it also expects €380m from selling and leasing five aircraft in July .
And it should receive another £750m from an expected extension of its comercial partnership with American Express next month .

British Airways owner IAG seeks €2.75bn raise after €3.8bn loss
British Airways owner IAG today said its largest shareholder, Qatar Airways, will back its €2.75bn coronavirus raise
British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines (IAG) today confirmed it will seek to raise a huge €2.75bn (£2.49bn) to act as a coronavirus buffer.
Major 25 per cent shareholder Qatar Airways has committed to participating in the raise, and will get two non-exec board members in exchange for its support.
IAG said the cash will help bolster its balance sheet after the pandemic wreaked havoc on the aviation industry.
British Airways’ owner confirmed its intention to raise the cash as it outlined a half-year loss after tax of €3.8bn, compared to a profit of €806m last year.
“Our industry is facing an unprecedented crisis and the outlook remains uncertain,” IAG chief executive Willie Walsh said.
“However, we strongly believe that now is the time to look to the future and strengthen IAG’s financial and strategic position. While we have had to make tough decisions on both people and costs, these actions are the right ones to protect as many jobs and serve as many customers as feasible and put IAG in the strongest position possible.
“The industry will recover from this crisis, though we do not expect this to be before 2023, and there will be opportunities for IAG to capitalise on its strength and leadership positions.
“We’re delighted that our largest shareholder, Qatar Airways, has already committed to support the proposed capital raising,” Walsh added.
Losses mount up at British Airways
IAG’s share price sank 7.5 per cent today as it revealed passenger numbers were 95.3 per cent down year on year.
It slumped to a €1.37bn operating loss in the second quarter, and a €1.9bn operating loss for the first half of 2020. In 2019 operating profit hit €1.1bn.
And AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould warned investors piling into the cash raise would be taking “a leap of faith”, with BA predicting no recovery to 2019 levels until 2023.
“A cash injection will give the British Airways owner short-term breathing space, yet the pace of the airline sector recovery is out of its hands,” Mould added.
“It is dependent on the course of coronavirus and government decisions on travel restrictions, quarantines and lockdowns in case of new flare-ups.
“You also need to consider whether there will be an appetite to travel once the crisis eases. A lot of IAG’s sales come from business travellers and there is a big question mark over how much flying this market will need to do, given how this year we’ve become accustomed to talking to people around the world by video calls.”
The board confirmed that independent director Javier Ferran will replace chairman Antonio Vazquez upon his retirement in January.
IAG set to act quickly on capital raise
Reuters has reported that IAG wants to complete the raise by the end of summer.
British Airways has announced 12,000 redundancies due to the ongoing worldwide travel restrictions as a result of the crisis.
The airline has not taken a government bailout during the pandemic. However, it has drawn down £300m from the Bank of England’s Corporate Covid Financing Facility.
And sister airlines Vueling and Iberia claimed €1bn from a similar scheme in Spain.
IAG said its liquidity at the end of June was €8.1bn, including €6bn in cash and €2.1bn of undrawn financing. That was slightly down on the €8.6bn it had in its coffers at the end of 2019.
But it said it also expects €380m from selling and leasing five aircraft in July. And it should receive another £750m from an expected extension of its comercial partnership with American Express next month.


cityam--2020-08-01--How to pick a virtual personal trainer to see you through till offices reopen

Gyms finally reopened last week , which was great news not just for personal trainers like me but also the thousands of people desperate to get back to training .
It ’ s hard to believe it ’ s been over four months since the last person walked through the doors at No.1 Fitness , but we haven ’ t been sitting on our hands .
In fact , the entire fitness industry has had to evolve , and a formally niche concept , the virtual PT , has gone mainstream .
It ’ s something that many of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago – who wants to be working out in their front room ?
But virtual classes and virtual personal training are here to stay .
At No1 Fitness it gives us another service for our clients and most of our members have loved what these classes have done for their health .
Being at home cuts out many of the usual excuses for not training : transport delays , meetings , forgotten gym kit , late nights in the office , no childcare etcetera , etcetera .
Working from home allowed our clients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Most people initially dipped their toes in the water with our virtual classes , but as the weeks went by we noticed a drop-off in favour of one-to-one PT sessions .
One of the most amazing things about training with an online coach is that you can scan the world to find the best trainer for you .
Read more : Easy ways to stay in shape amid Covid-19 Finding the right one is essential for getting results , and now you can ’ t simply rely on the stamp of quality provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s are some things you should look out for when picking one out .
Firstly , a confident trainer will stand out a mile away .
Screen or no screen , the best results still come down to human interaction and you will end up getting to know your trainer really well .
So make the initial consultation on the phone or , even better , a Zoom call .
You need to make sure you can strike up a connection with this person .
During the consultation they should ask you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see if they are listening and taking in your information .
Personal Trainers will usually ask for your goals .
Make sure your trainer digs a bit more than ‘ tone up your arms ’ .
They will ask why it ’ s important to achieve your results , how much sleep you get , what exercise have you done before , any injuries you might have and so on .
Once the consultation is complete , next comes the sell .
Many online trainers have been on courses to learn the perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worded and can lead you into a sale that might not be right for you .
Read more : Why HIIT is great and why you ’ re probably doing it wrong To throw them off guard , ask them loads of questions back , almost as if you ’ re giving them a consultation .
If this is a partnership , then it has to work both ways .
Grill them on exactly what you will receive from them – will they make you a nutrition plan ?
Will they put together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will they measure that progress ?
You ’ ll end the conversation with a much better idea of who you are going to be working with and how much that might be worth .
Ideally your personal trainer should be able to work out a pretty clear roadmap for hitting your goals by a certain date , with steady increases in intensity throughout .
If your virtual trainer doesn ’ t seem interested in forward planning , that should be a giant red flag .
Making sessions up on the spot is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send you an example of some of the programming they have created for other clients ?
They should have this information ready to go .
Another important question is whether they think your goals and timeframe are realistic .
It should be a straight answer .
If they don ’ t think your goals are achievable , ask them to explain why .
You want a trainer who will be honest with you .
Finally , while training at home requires less equipment , it usually requires some .
Find out what the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you have certain goals .
If you want to put on muscle and they only give you body weight workouts , you ’ re going to fail .
Remember , you have the whole world at your disposal with virtual training , so make sure you get the right trainer for you .
• Harry is co-founder of city gym No.1 Fitness , go to no1fitness.co.uk for more information .

How to pick a virtual personal trainer to see you through till offices reopen
Getty
Gyms finally reopened last week, which was great news not just for personal trainers like me but also the thousands of people desperate to get back to training.
It’s hard to believe it’s been over four months since the last person walked through the doors at No.1 Fitness, but we haven’t been sitting on our hands. In fact, the entire fitness industry has had to evolve, and a formally niche concept, the virtual PT, has gone mainstream.
It’s something that many of us would have laughed off a few months ago – who wants to be working out in their front room? But virtual classes and virtual personal training are here to stay. At No1 Fitness it gives us another service for our clients and most of our members have loved what these classes have done for their health.
Being at home cuts out many of the usual excuses for not training: transport delays, meetings, forgotten gym kit, late nights in the office, no childcare etcetera, etcetera. Working from home allowed our clients to get into a consistent routine.
Most people initially dipped their toes in the water with our virtual classes, but as the weeks went by we noticed a drop-off in favour of one-to-one PT sessions. One of the most amazing things about training with an online coach is that you can scan the world to find the best trainer for you.
Read more: Easy ways to stay in shape amid Covid-19
Finding the right one is essential for getting results, and now you can’t simply rely on the stamp of quality provided by a big-name gym. So here’s are some things you should look out for when picking one out.
Firstly, a confident trainer will stand out a mile away. Screen or no screen, the best results still come down to human interaction and you will end up getting to know your trainer really well.
So make the initial consultation on the phone or, even better, a Zoom call. You need to make sure you can strike up a connection with this person. During the consultation they should ask you lots of questions. Pay attention to see if they are listening and taking in your information.
Personal Trainers will usually ask for your goals. Make sure your trainer digs a bit more than ‘tone up your arms’. They will ask why it’s important to achieve your results, how much sleep you get, what exercise have you done before, any injuries you might have and so on.
Once the consultation is complete, next comes the sell. Many online trainers have been on courses to learn the perfect sales pitch. Their questions are cleverly worded and can lead you into a sale that might not be right for you.
Read more: Why HIIT is great and why you’re probably doing it wrong
To throw them off guard, ask them loads of questions back, almost as if you’re giving them a consultation. If this is a partnership, then it has to work both ways.
The first question you should ask is simple: what do they like about being a personal trainer? If their answer is about them, rather than their clients – “I get to train all the time”, “I do this on the side” – or if they don’t seem particularly enthusiastic, that should set alarm bells ringing. Having a realtionship with a PT can be intense – you might end up seeing them as much as youn do your loved ones – so you need to make sure they will be committed to you and your journey.
Next grill them on exactly what you will receive from them – will they make you a nutrition plan? Will they put together a spreadsheet with your progress? How will they measure that progress? You’ll end the conversation with a much better idea of who you are going to be working with and how much that might be worth.
Ideally your personal trainer should be able to work out a pretty clear roadmap for hitting your goals by a certain date, with steady increases in intensity throughout. If your virtual trainer doesn’t seem interested in forward planning, that should be a giant red flag. Making sessions up on the spot is not personal training.
Ask if they can send you an example of some of the programming they have created for other clients? They should have this information ready to go.
Another important question is whether they think your goals and timeframe are realistic. It should be a straight answer. If they don’t think your goals are achievable, ask them to explain why. You want a trainer who will be honest with you.
Finally, while training at home requires less equipment, it usually requires some. Find out what the trainer wants you to purchase, especially if you have certain goals. If you want to put on muscle and they only give you body weight workouts, you’re going to fail.
Remember, you have the whole world at your disposal with virtual training, so make sure you get the right trainer for you.
• Harry is co-founder of city gym No.1 Fitness, go to no1fitness.co.uk for more information.


cityam--2020-08-01--The Mini Cooper Sport is a life-affirming blast from the past

Start up a new Mini Cooper , select Sport mode and the touchscreen cheerily promises ‘ Maximum go-kart feel ’ .
Not so in the original .
Here , you ’ ll find no drive modes , no touchscreen , no try-hard marketing speak .
The classic Cooper simply delivers maximum go-kart feel all the time .
In a torrid year , no car has made me smile more .
The Mini was never supposed to be sporty , of course .
To quote legendary motoring scribe LJK Setright : ‘ It was an essentially humanistic concept… not a car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but for the people , a car in which 80 per cent was theirs to occupy as they liked ’ .
The people clearly agreed , buying nearly 5.4m Minis over its 41-year production life .
It remains the best-selling British car of all time .
Perfect packaging and clever rubber cone suspension also endowed the Mini with alert , inertia-free handling .
And when the more powerful Cooper arrived in 1961 , even motoring enthusiasts took note .
It proved a giant-killer on the road and racetrack , famously vanquishing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rally .
The Cooper was replaced by the square-fronted 1275 GT in 1971 , but made a comeback in 1990 – staying on sale until the last Mini left Longbridge in 2000 .
This 1998 Rover Cooper Sport represents the final evolution of the Mini Cooper .
Its bonnet stripes , spotlamps , walnut dashboard and glinting chrome evoke a storied past , but wide wheelarches , 13-inch alloys and fuel injection are modest stabs at modernity .
Today , fewer than 700 Cooper Sports are registered on UK roads and even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( the cheapest I found was £10,995 ) .
Alternatively , you could hire this very Mini from RNG Classics for £99 .
Cheap thrills indeed .
My first and second cars were both Minis and climbing aboard the Cooper rouses memories of teenage road-trips , getting lost in the days before sat-nav and fruitless pleas for petrol money .
The steering wheel , angled like a London bus , feels instantly familiar , but I ’ d forgotten just how skinny the doors are .
Compared to this , any modern car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coughs into life with a gruff rasp , followed by the quirky whine of its four-speed gearbox .
The 62hp 1,275cc A-Series engine is eager and tractable , helping this 686kg flyweight scamper through city traffic .
Even so , 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds and 92mph flat-out won ’ t worry many hot hatchbacks .
Venture beyond the M25 and preserving momentum – i.e .
not slowing down – is key to what my driving instructor called ‘ making progress ’ .
Happily , that ’ s something the Cooper Sport does uncommonly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same speed as the straights .
On the writhing , capillary lanes that fan outwards from RNG ’ s Reigate base , the Mini is an absolute riot .
Its darty steering jostles with incessant feedback , it grips tenaciously and its skateboard ride amplifies every ripple in the road .
I remember one moment vividly , chasing a new Toyota Corolla at about 50mph .
The Corolla driver was probably on auto-pilot , steering with one hand while listening to the shipping forecast .
I was wired and grinning like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the Mini bounced between bends .
This ability to make sensible – and entirely legal – speeds feel fast is the Mini Cooper ’ s genius .
It transforms the B2126 to Dorking into the Col de Turini .
You wouldn ’ t want to drive one every day ( although millions did , including me ) , but as a cool classic to relish on summer Sundays , the Mini beats many far more exalted sports cars .
Just as it always did .
Thanks to RNG Classics ( 01737 769 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( @ charlieb.photography ) .
Tim Pitt works for motoringresearch.com

The Mini Cooper Sport is a life-affirming blast from the past
Start up a new Mini Cooper, select Sport mode and the touchscreen cheerily promises ‘Maximum go-kart feel’.
Not so in the original. Here, you’ll find no drive modes, no touchscreen, no try-hard marketing speak. The classic Cooper simply delivers maximum go-kart feel all the time. In a torrid year, no car has made me smile more.
The Mini was never supposed to be sporty, of course. To quote legendary motoring scribe LJK Setright: ‘It was an essentially humanistic concept… not a car for engineers, nor for motoring enthusiasts, but for the people, a car in which 80 per cent was theirs to occupy as they liked’. The people clearly agreed, buying nearly 5.4m Minis over its 41-year production life. It remains the best-selling British car of all time.
Perfect packaging and clever rubber cone suspension also endowed the Mini with alert, inertia-free handling. And when the more powerful Cooper arrived in 1961, even motoring enthusiasts took note. It proved a giant-killer on the road and racetrack, famously vanquishing the V8-engined Ford Falcons in the Monte Carlo Rally. The Cooper was replaced by the square-fronted 1275 GT in 1971, but made a comeback in 1990 – staying on sale until the last Mini left Longbridge in 2000.
This 1998 Rover Cooper Sport represents the final evolution of the Mini Cooper. Its bonnet stripes, spotlamps, walnut dashboard and glinting chrome evoke a storied past, but wide wheelarches, 13-inch alloys and fuel injection are modest stabs at modernity. Today, fewer than 700 Cooper Sports are registered on UK roads and even a dog-eared example will cost you five figures (the cheapest I found was £10,995). Alternatively, you could hire this very Mini from RNG Classics for £99. Cheap thrills indeed.
My first and second cars were both Minis and climbing aboard the Cooper rouses memories of teenage road-trips, getting lost in the days before sat-nav and fruitless pleas for petrol money. The steering wheel, angled like a London bus, feels instantly familiar, but I’d forgotten just how skinny the doors are. Compared to this, any modern car feels like a fortress.
The Mini coughs into life with a gruff rasp, followed by the quirky whine of its four-speed gearbox. The 62hp 1,275cc A-Series engine is eager and tractable, helping this 686kg flyweight scamper through city traffic. Even so, 0-60mph in 11.8 seconds and 92mph flat-out won’t worry many hot hatchbacks. Venture beyond the M25 and preserving momentum – i.e. not slowing down – is key to what my driving instructor called ‘making progress’. Happily, that’s something the Cooper Sport does uncommonly well. You simply take corners at the same speed as the straights.
On the writhing, capillary lanes that fan outwards from RNG’s Reigate base, the Mini is an absolute riot. Its darty steering jostles with incessant feedback, it grips tenaciously and its skateboard ride amplifies every ripple in the road.
I remember one moment vividly, chasing a new Toyota Corolla at about 50mph. The Corolla driver was probably on auto-pilot, steering with one hand while listening to the shipping forecast. I was wired and grinning like a loon, hands clamped to the wheel as the Mini bounced between bends.
This ability to make sensible – and entirely legal – speeds feel fast is the Mini Cooper’s genius. It transforms the B2126 to Dorking into the Col de Turini. You wouldn’t want to drive one every day (although millions did, including me), but as a cool classic to relish on summer Sundays, the Mini beats many far more exalted sports cars. Just as it always did.
Thanks to RNG Classics (@rngclassics). Photos by Charlie B (@charlieb.photography). Tim Pitt works for motoringresearch.com


cityam--2020-08-01--Eat Out to Help Out – the best restaurants taking part in the government hospitality scheme

There was a time when dropping most of your disposable income on avocado on toast made you an idiot who will never be able to afford a house .
Now it makes you a hero who will save the economy .
It ’ s so vital that you start eating at restaurants again that , as of Monday , the government is offering to pay 50 per cent of your food and ( non boozy ) drinks bill , up to a maximum of £10 per diner , every Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday for the whole of August .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bars , pubs , work canteens , and food halls , with the money being reimbursed to businesses by The Man himself .
The hospitality industry , facing an existential crisis the likes of which we haven ’ t seen since WWII , has jumped at the chance to take part , with hundreds of businesses across London offering huge discounts , many eclipsing the money that can be clawed back from Rishi Sunak ’ s pocket .
Here are a few of our favourites from the City A.M. heartlands .
Read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during lockdown M Threadneedle – Purveyor of some of the finest steaks in town , as well as boasting a members ’ area and a wine list to rival the best in London , M is the perfect place to enjoy the scheme .
Sushi Samba – Big and bold , this sushi restaurant in the sky , complete with a terrace near the top of the Heron Tower , is a great place to eat some nigiri on Rishi .
1 Lombard Street – With City A.M. columnist Mark Hix now taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this City stalwart can only go from strength to strength .
Duck & Waffle – Another one up the Heron Tower , this vast space has views to die for and the option of eating its signature dish… duck and waffle .
The Ned – You could fill an entire article just listing all of the restaurants in The Ned .
It ’ s part of the scheme , book in to enjoy cuisine from around the world .
Gaucho City – Yet another for those lovers of red meat , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relaxed place to enjoy some seriously good grilled cow .
Mber – Exquisite Pan-Asian dining and cocktails hidden in the heart of London , a stone ’ s throw from Monument .
Burger & Lobster – Does what it says on the tin , and does it very well .
All of your burger and/or lobster needs will be met here .
Read more : 1 Lombard Street hires Mark Hix as director of food and drink Iberica Canary Wharf – Authentic Spanish Tapas Restaurant and Bar with outstanding Spanish cuisine , guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fresh seasonal food , cocktails and striking views of the London skyline , from the 20th floor of The Collective Canary Wharf .
Roka Canary Wharf – Just as good as the rest , Roka is a titan of the dining world for a reason Farmer J – Seasonal , mindfully sourced food that ’ s bursting with flavour and always cooked from scratch on-site , this canteen-style restaurant is a lunchtime favourite .
Smokestak – Smokestak is offering barbecue aficionados a starter , signature meat dish , side and gelato for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vurger Co – a vegan fast food restaurant serving indulgent vegan burgers , fries , mac ‘ n ’ cheese and shakes .
Boundary London – Eat on the roof at Boundary London , an excellent , sprawling complex housed within a converted Victorian warehouse .
Rochelle Canteen – A chefs ’ favourite restaurant and foodie destination , Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson ’ s Rochelle is a must-visit .
Brat – A meat-heavy Spanish restaurant with a strong Basque influence , this is another foodies ’ favourite .
Read more : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room Peggy Porschen – Elizabeth Street ’ s most Instagrammable café , serving cake and coffee alfresco on the terrace .
Hunan – The atypical Chinese restaurant on Pimlico Road .
Serving up small tapas-size portions of food with an emphasis on sharing many dishes .
The Fine Cheese Company – Located on Motcomb Street , a dining experience that offers a selection of over 100 artisan European cheeses and charcuterie .
Daylesford – The café on Pimlico Road serving organic and sustainably sourced food from the Daylesford Farm in Gloucestershire .
Dominique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous Cronut is now taking walk-ins for guests in their beautiful garden terrace located on Elizabeth Street .
They are carrying on this campaign till the end of September .
Olivo , Oliveto , Olivocarne , Olivomare – The restaurants throughout Belgravia specialising in Italian and Sardinian cuisine .
The Thomas Cubitt – The traditional English pub , positioned on the picturesque Elizabeth Street .
The Alfred Tennyson – The relaxed ground floor pub , with a graceful and airy dining room on Motcomb Street .
The Orange – A beautifully restored British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – The coffee house on Ebury Street serving drinks made freshly from Allpress roast beans .
Roka – The award winning Japanese restaurant serving contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine and sushi on North Audley Street .
Jamavar – Indian street food gets an upscale makeover at this glossy venue on Mount Street , with botanical-themed cocktails .
Finos & Delfinos – Offering guests traditional Italian dishes using the freshest and finest ingredients for the past 65 years , located on Mount Street .
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill – Situated in the Marriott Hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurant takes inspiration from the iconic American grills .
Scott ’ s – Located in Mount Street , the restaurant offers terrace dining and serves the finest traditional fish and shellfish dishes .
34 Mayfair – British game and world meats cooked on an imported Argentinian grill , located on South Audley Street .
Spaghetti House – Offering a taste of Italy with fresh and simple dishes on Duke Street .

Eat Out to Help Out – the best restaurants taking part in the government hospitality scheme
There was a time when dropping most of your disposable income on avocado on toast made you an idiot who will never be able to afford a house. Now it makes you a hero who will save the economy.
It’s so vital that you start eating at restaurants again that, as of Monday, the government is offering to pay 50 per cent of your food and (non boozy) drinks bill, up to a maximum of £10 per diner, every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for the whole of August.
The offer applies to restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs, work canteens, and food halls, with the money being reimbursed to businesses by The Man himself.
The hospitality industry, facing an existential crisis the likes of which we haven’t seen since WWII, has jumped at the chance to take part, with hundreds of businesses across London offering huge discounts, many eclipsing the money that can be clawed back from Rishi Sunak’s pocket. Here are a few of our favourites from the City A.M. heartlands.
Read more: Jason Atherton on staying sane during lockdown
Square Mile
M Threadneedle – Purveyor of some of the finest steaks in town, as well as boasting a members’ area and a wine list to rival the best in London, M is the perfect place to enjoy the scheme.
Sushi Samba – Big and bold, this sushi restaurant in the sky, complete with a terrace near the top of the Heron Tower, is a great place to eat some nigiri on Rishi.
1 Lombard Street – With City A.M. columnist Mark Hix now taking the reins as food and beverage director, this City stalwart can only go from strength to strength.
Duck & Waffle – Another one up the Heron Tower, this vast space has views to die for and the option of eating its signature dish… duck and waffle.
The Ned – You could fill an entire article just listing all of the restaurants in The Ned. It’s part of the scheme, book in to enjoy cuisine from around the world.
Gaucho City – Yet another for those lovers of red meat, the Argentinian steak house is a great, relaxed place to enjoy some seriously good grilled cow.
Mber – Exquisite Pan-Asian dining and cocktails hidden in the heart of London, a stone’s throw from Monument.
Burger & Lobster – Does what it says on the tin, and does it very well. All of your burger and/or lobster needs will be met here.
Read more: 1 Lombard Street hires Mark Hix as director of food and drink
Canary Wharf
Iberica Canary Wharf – Authentic Spanish Tapas Restaurant and Bar with outstanding Spanish cuisine, guided by Michelin-starred chef Nacho Manzano
Mthr – Fresh seasonal food, cocktails and striking views of the London skyline, from the 20th floor of The Collective Canary Wharf.
Roka Canary Wharf – Just as good as the rest, Roka is a titan of the dining world for a reason
Farmer J – Seasonal, mindfully sourced food that’s bursting with flavour and always cooked from scratch on-site, this canteen-style restaurant is a lunchtime favourite.
Shoreditch
Smokestak – Smokestak is offering barbecue aficionados a starter, signature meat dish, side and gelato for a frankly ludicrous £10 per person.
The Vurger Co – a vegan fast food restaurant serving indulgent vegan burgers, fries, mac ‘n’ cheese and shakes.
Dirty Bones – NYC-inspired comfort food and cocktails, serving lunch, dinner and boozy weekend brunch.
Boundary London – Eat on the roof at Boundary London, an excellent, sprawling complex housed within a converted Victorian warehouse.
Rudie’s Jerk Shack – A hip Jamaican joint serving real jerk and small plates with a fiery kick.
BOXPARK – home to Rudie’s and many other traders offering the discount – is also offering a 50% discount across all of its bars during the start of the week, including booze.
Rochelle Canteen – A chefs’ favourite restaurant and foodie destination, Melanie Arnold and Margot Henderson’s Rochelle is a must-visit.
Brat – A meat-heavy Spanish restaurant with a strong Basque influence, this is another foodies’ favourite.
Read more: How to get haute cuisine in your living room
Belgravia
Peggy Porschen – Elizabeth Street’s most Instagrammable café, serving cake and coffee alfresco on the terrace.
Hunan – The atypical Chinese restaurant on Pimlico Road. Serving up small tapas-size portions of food with an emphasis on sharing many dishes.
The Fine Cheese Company – Located on Motcomb Street, a dining experience that offers a selection of over 100 artisan European cheeses and charcuterie.
Daylesford – The café on Pimlico Road serving organic and sustainably sourced food from the Daylesford Farm in Gloucestershire.
Dominique Ansel Bakery – The home of the famous Cronut is now taking walk-ins for guests in their beautiful garden terrace located on Elizabeth Street. They are carrying on this campaign till the end of September.
Olivo, Oliveto, Olivocarne, Olivomare – The restaurants throughout Belgravia specialising in Italian and Sardinian cuisine.
The Thomas Cubitt – The traditional English pub, positioned on the picturesque Elizabeth Street.
The Alfred Tennyson – The relaxed ground floor pub, with a graceful and airy dining room on Motcomb Street.
The Orange – A beautifully restored British pub on Pimlico Road.
Tom Tom – The coffee house on Ebury Street serving drinks made freshly from Allpress roast beans.
Mayfair
Roka – The award winning Japanese restaurant serving contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine and sushi on North Audley Street.
Jamavar – Indian street food gets an upscale makeover at this glossy venue on Mount Street, with botanical-themed cocktails.
Finos & Delfinos – Offering guests traditional Italian dishes using the freshest and finest ingredients for the past 65 years, located on Mount Street.
Gordon Ramsay Bar & Grill – Situated in the Marriott Hotel on Grosvenor Square, the stylish informal restaurant takes inspiration from the iconic American grills.
Scott’s – Located in Mount Street, the restaurant offers terrace dining and serves the finest traditional fish and shellfish dishes.
Spaghetti House – Offering a taste of Italy with fresh and simple dishes on Duke Street.


cityam--2020-08-01--Back to Business: Masha Rener on keeping her restaurants afloat online

We talk to London ’ s top chefs about how they are dealing with the strange ‘ new normal ’ .
Lina Stores head chef Masha Rener talks about how home-cooking with top ingredients is here to stay .
Who are you and what do you do ?
I ’ m Masha Rener , head chef at Lina Stores in Soho and King ’ s Cross How has coronavirus affected your business ?
We were forced to close everything for lockdown across all of our sites , but thankfully , because we had the deli on Brewer Street , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform really quickly .
We worked so hard to make sure we could deliver to our customers nationwide so people at home could order everything they knew and loved from our website .
When were you able to open up and how did you celebrate ?
We reopened the deli on 15 June when the government made the announcement and we made sure that we had everything in place so it was safe , limiting the number of people allowed in at one time .
Having our first customers back in the deli @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a hub of the community once more , was an exciting moment .
We kept it quite low-key in terms of celebrations , but we sat down as a team and toasted with a couple of Amaro cocktails .
We ’ ve just opened Lina Stores King ’ s Cross as an al fresco terrace so I think we ’ ll celebrate a bit bigger this time .
How are you managing the ongoing effects of the virus ?
At Lina in Piazza and at the Greek Street restaurant we have reduced seating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations .
At Lina in Piazza we have one way entry and exit systems marked by stickers on the floor and we are limiting booking sizes to six people .
At Greek Street it ’ s four people max .
All the team wear face masks and we have plexiglass in the delis as well as additional hygiene stations inside .
How have you kept sane when the restaurant was closed ?
The truth is we never had the time to even wonder ‘ what if ’ : as soon as we closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also fundraising ; we raised over £26,000 to enable us to deliver thousands of meals to people in need .
Inevitably there were moments where things weren ’ t as busy and I was able to spend priceless time with my kids , which was lovely .
I ’ m from a town near Umbria , so when I went back , I had a lot of home-improvement projects to focus on – my terrace has become a greenhouse .
What did you miss most when the dining scene was shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing people eating and enjoying my food .
My Lina Stores team is like a little family so it was hard not seeing them every day and working side by side .
As I went back to Italy to lockdown , my life was completely turned upside down due to the restrictions .
It was hard not seeing the friends and colleagues that I have in London .
Where was the first place you went to eat/drink when lockdown was eased ?
I had a Panino porchetta from this amazing street food van @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re the best , stuffed with melt-in-the-mouth pork on the soft bread .
When I came back to London , the first thing I did was walk on the canal down to Camden Market , I love it down there .
Do you think things in the restaurant world will go back to ‘ normal ’ It will be a very long time before the world goes back to ‘ normal ’ .
People have been rediscovering cooking at home so I think the restaurant DIY kits are here to stay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and pizza kits that enable people to explore home-cooking in an easier way and also recreate some of their favourite restaurant dishes at home .
Also , as many people may work from home more in the future and not come into central London daily , people will still buy products online – our online grocery has been a way to bring a taste of Lina to people ’ s homes .
While there are still going to be a lot of restaurants struggling for a long time , eating , drinking and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will come back , albeit slowly .
Are there any silver linings to what ’ s been an awful few months ?
Broadly , I think people will realise how important socialising in person is , how it can ’ t be matched by video calls and the like , so people will want to come together more , I hope it will mean a strengthening of bonds , it has done for me .
Spending time with my family has been so important .
In a way it has been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have downtime with my children , despite everything .
On a personal note , I also put on some weight , finally , so for me , that was a small triumph !

Back to Business: Masha Rener on keeping her restaurants afloat online
We talk to London’s top chefs about how they are dealing with the strange ‘new normal’. Lina Stores head chef Masha Rener talks about how home-cooking with top ingredients is here to stay.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Masha Rener, head chef at Lina Stores in Soho and King’s Cross
How has coronavirus affected your business?
We were forced to close everything for lockdown across all of our sites, but thankfully, because we had the deli on Brewer Street, we were able to create an online grocery platform really quickly. We worked so hard to make sure we could deliver to our customers nationwide so people at home could order everything they knew and loved from our website.
When were you able to open up and how did you celebrate?
We reopened the deli on 15 June when the government made the announcement and we made sure that we had everything in place so it was safe, limiting the number of people allowed in at one time. Having our first customers back in the deli after months, being able to become a hub of the community once more, was an exciting moment. We kept it quite low-key in terms of celebrations, but we sat down as a team and toasted with a couple of Amaro cocktails. We’ve just opened Lina Stores King’s Cross as an al fresco terrace so I think we’ll celebrate a bit bigger this time.
How are you managing the ongoing effects of the virus?
At Lina in Piazza and at the Greek Street restaurant we have reduced seating, more space between tables and hygiene stations. At Lina in Piazza we have one way entry and exit systems marked by stickers on the floor and we are limiting booking sizes to six people. At Greek Street it’s four people max. All the team wear face masks and we have plexiglass in the delis as well as additional hygiene stations inside.
How have you kept sane when the restaurant was closed?
The truth is we never had the time to even wonder ‘what if’: as soon as we closed we started the online shop and we were also fundraising; we raised over £26,000 to enable us to deliver thousands of meals to people in need. Inevitably there were moments where things weren’t as busy and I was able to spend priceless time with my kids, which was lovely. I’m from a town near Umbria, so when I went back, I had a lot of home-improvement projects to focus on – my terrace has become a greenhouse.
What did you miss most when the dining scene was shut down?
Interaction with diners. I love seeing people eating and enjoying my food. My Lina Stores team is like a little family so it was hard not seeing them every day and working side by side. As I went back to Italy to lockdown, my life was completely turned upside down due to the restrictions. It was hard not seeing the friends and colleagues that I have in London.
Where was the first place you went to eat/drink when lockdown was eased?
I had a Panino porchetta from this amazing street food van near my home in Umbria. They’re the best, stuffed with melt-in-the-mouth pork on the soft bread. When I came back to London, the first thing I did was walk on the canal down to Camden Market, I love it down there.
Do you think things in the restaurant world will go back to ‘normal’
It will be a very long time before the world goes back to ‘normal’.
People have been rediscovering cooking at home so I think the restaurant DIY kits are here to stay. We were able to create fresh pasta and pizza kits that enable people to explore home-cooking in an easier way and also recreate some of their favourite restaurant dishes at home.
Also, as many people may work from home more in the future and not come into central London daily, people will still buy products online – our online grocery has been a way to bring a taste of Lina to people’s homes. While there are still going to be a lot of restaurants struggling for a long time, eating, drinking and socialising are a fundamental human need so it will come back, albeit slowly.
Are there any silver linings to what’s been an awful few months?
Broadly, I think people will realise how important socialising in person is, how it can’t be matched by video calls and the like, so people will want to come together more, I hope it will mean a strengthening of bonds, it has done for me. Spending time with my family has been so important. In a way it has been a good moment to stop and be present and have downtime with my children, despite everything. On a personal note, I also put on some weight, finally, so for me, that was a small triumph!