Adam Byatt has put his entire team on furlough so the shop is being run on a voluntary basis. The chef - who has been trading in Clapham for 20 years - has launched the project to help keep the local community stocked up and also to keep his team busy.
"I wanted my team to have a place to go to and to be involved with something," he says. "I am concerned about having a very young team and sending all of those guys in the way we did to be isolated at home. I do worry about the mental health impact."
Selling some prepared meals for heating at home, baked goods and fruit, vegetables, meat and dry store goods from Byatt's suppliers, Union Stores has been a significant success.
"We've had a queue out the door, although it looks bigger than it is because everyone is so spaced out," continues Byatt. "We have incredible loyalty in Clapham. To be able to provide this service for them at this particular time feels right."To download this podcast via iTunes click here.
#UnitedWeStand has been created by William Reed hospitality titles BigHospitality, Restaurant magazine and Morning Advertiser and is supported by Arla Pro, Britvic, McCain and Unilever Food Solutions
