The boss of a Cornwall hotel named among the best in the world is leading the charge for a Minister for Hospitality.
Robin Hutson, founder of the Pig Hotel chain is supported by big name chefs including Angela Hartnett and Tom Kerridge and celebrity Maitre'd Fred Sirieix in asking for a #Seatatthetable for hospitality that has been hard hit by Covid-19 restrictions.
The petition has been supported by more than 64,000 signatories and needs to reach 100,000 to be considered for a debate in parliament.
See the petition here
On twitter, the hotelier said: "We need a seat at the top table. "Hospitality is responsible for 3 million jobs and £130bn contribution to the economy - we deserve a dedicated Minister for Hospitality with a powerful voice."
In another tweet, he said that he has already written directly to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and hopes for a new post in January's cabinet reshuffle.
This new 30-day social media campaign is the latest in Mr Hutson's lobbying for changes to one-size-fits-all Covid-restrictions that are crippling pubs and hotels throughout the UK.
The opening of his own newest hotel - the Pig at Harlyn Bay in Cornwall - was delayed this summer because of the lockdown but has been already taken a prime spot in this year’s Tatler travel awards awards, named 'Best Hotel with Heart’.
Read more: See inside the Pig-at-Harlyn Bay in this article
The boutique hotel has only been open for five months and is named alongside 100 other hotels, from luxurious mountain retreats to sweet Maldives escapes.
Describing the Cornish hotel, Tatler writes of “the stardust that sets The Pig hotels apart” and the “generosity of spirit” channelled by the owner of the historic house, not far from Padstow.
It states: “The stardust that sets The Pig hotels apart is the owner Robin Hutson, whose award-winning ‘restaurants with rooms’ concept has completely changed the face of the British hotel scene.
“The real magic lies in Hutson’s generosity of spirit, which is channelled into campaigning on behalf of the hospitality industry, championing local suppliers and producers, and finding exceptional staff."
One of the bedrooms at The Pig at Harlyn Bay (Image: Jake Eastham)
“Then there are the dreamy interiors conjured up by Robin’s wife Judy, whose sense of pure understated glamour and rustic refinement pervades.
“Original plasterwork combined with panelling and masonry creates a backdrop for vintage, found and custom-made furniture, all set against a seductive colour palette of grey, purple and blue. “
“The world would be a better place if the Robin Hutson method became the new normal."
Do you think we should have a Minister for Hospitality? What support does the industry need. Join the conversation in the comments section
