How 'no-shows' are further damaging the hospitality industry

  • Meridian

Video report by ITV News Meridian reporter Penny Silvester

Pubs and restaurants across the south say they're fighting a losing battle in trying to get back on their feet, as an increasing number of customers are booking out tables but not turning up.

Many customers did honour their bookings at the pub

At The Heron on the Lake pub in Fleet, Hampshire, despite being fulled booked, many tables were left empty when 38 people failed to show up.

They took to Facebook to share the knock-on effect that that has on their business and many others.

Michelin starred chef, Paul Ainsworth, has hit out at diners who book tables at restaurants and then fail to turn up.

His comments come after celebrity chef Tom Kerridge criticised no-show diners for damaging the hospitality business as it tries to keep afloat.

He explained to ITV News Meridian how two-way communication between customers and the hospitality trade is needed if the industry is to properly recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

Robin Hutson, the chief executive of the Limewood Hotel, tweeted his frustration today about diners not showing up to his New Forest restaurant.