The Peat Inn suspends lunch service due to staffing shortages

The Michelin-starred Peat Inn in Fife has been forced to suspend its lunchtime services “for the foreseeable future” due to staffing shortages.

Restaurant owners Geoffrey and Katherine Smeddle made the decision as staff shortages have made it impossible to cover two services each day. It is hoped the move will ensure the wellbeing and mental health of the team.

The restaurant will continue to cater for residents and remain open to the public for evening dinner service.

Geoffrey Smeddle said: “In the past, there has been a perception that working in the hospitality industry is renowned for long hours, but just because it has always been this way in the past doesn’t mean it needs to continue. Our business is only as good as the team we have running it, and we value each and every one of our team, and that’s why we are putting them first.

“With the school exam results announced we want young adults to know that working in the hospitality industry can be a great career choice, and our industry is changing, with employers addressing a sustainable work-life balance.”

Katherine Smeddle added: “It has been a very stressful time for the hospitality industry during the pandemic. Since reopening in April, we have struggled to recruit the staffing levels we require at the Peat Inn. Over the last 15 years of running the business we have never had so few applicants for our vacancies. The welfare and mental health of our employees has always been our priority, and with no additional support for the team, we decided we would reduce the workload by suspending our lunch service…

“We hope that we will be able to reopen our lunch service at some point in the future, but until we can increase our award-winning team, we will continue to take exceptional care of our residential guests and, of course, our evening diners.”

The Peat Inn is the latest Michelin-starred establishment forced to reduce hours due to the industry’s staffing crisis. Le Gavroche in London’s Mayfair also had to cut its lunch service, while the Walnut Tree in Monmouthshire was forced to close for over a week.