How hospitality venues are paying tribute to the Queen

Some hospitality businesses have closed while others have lowered flags to half-mast in tribute to the Queen, who died on 8 September at the age of 96.

 

A period of national mourning has now begun and will continue until the day after the state funeral, but there will be no obligation for businesses to close during this period.

 

According to government guidance, it remains at the discretion of a business if they wish to close or consider postponing events, including on the day of the funeral.

 

Some operators have already begun paying their respects in their own way.

 

At the Stafford London hotel, which is close to Buckingham Palace, the Union Jack flag was lowered as soon as news of the Queen's death was announced. Chief operating officer Stuart Procter said staff would not be wearing black ties as the hotel wanted to celebrate the Queen's life, and there would be red roses displayed throughout the building.

 

Okell’s Brewery, based on the Isle of Man, closed its five pubs on the Island and in the UK for 24 hours on 9 September, but continued to run any booked functions or events.

 

Steven Taylor, managing director of Okell’s Inns, said the decision was a “mark of respect”.

 

He added: “At a time of national grief, families and communities should have the chance to spend time together; this includes our entire workforce and we wish to give them this opportunity to do so. Further announcements will be made for the day of the state funeral across the pubs in the coming days.”

 

All JD Wetherspoon pubs remained open last week and displayed a message of condolence.

 

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said : “We have told our pub managers to cancel any quizzes or other entertainment events tonight (9 September).

 

“In addition our Lloyds Bars will not be hosting DJs and if music is played, it will be background only. The pub’s TVs will remain tuned to the news only."

 

Bar and nightclub Impossible Manchester changed its outdoor signage to read ‘the best to ever do it HRH Elizabeth II’. In an Instagram post the bar wrote: “A leader, a lady, elegant and true…A role model for us all, our queen through and through.”

 

Quo Vadis in London’s Soho has also lowered the Union Jack outside the restaurant to half-mast in tribute.

 

Others in the hospitality industry who served or worked for the Queen have shared their memories with The Caterer.

 

What else do businesses need to consider?

 

Government guidance states that there is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures during the national mourning period, though many have already been put on hold. The decision to close entertainment venues also remains at the discretion of individual organisations.

 

It is also not necessary to cover or remove existing portraits or photographs of Her Majesty out of respect and it “is custom” to leave these in place, the guidance states.

 

The Queen's state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on 19 September, which will be a Bank Holiday.

 

Image: impossible_mcr / Instagram