The value of hospitality: It’s where life happens.
With Valentine’s Day behind us and Mother’s Day approaching, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on love and appreciation in all forms. Beyond just one day of celebrating, hospitality has strong ties to our personal lives, professional lives and relationships, so we want to show our appreciation to the industry.
The role of hospitality in helping us form connections and communities is undeniable. It is, after all, our third place - it’s where life happens.
Catching up with an old friend over coffee, celebrating a milestone birthday with loved ones, or even networking over a business lunch, hospitality venues are the perfect backdrop for when memorable moments unfold. There’s a high chance you might even be reading this article from a local café, or over a working lunch.
Hospitality is about more than indulgence or a treat; it’s a thread woven into the fabric of society. From daily rituals to memories that punctuate your life’s journey, like birthdays and first dates, or your first night out. Even those who don't actively seek out bars and restaurants still rely on the industry for weddings, work events or even a quick tea break during a long journey.
This article is a celebration of that. We’ll look at the industry's crucial role in our social and professional lives. And acknowledge the unsung heroes behind the scenes: kitchen porters, chefs, waiting staff and the diverse supply chain that upholds and supports the industry.?
The Backdrop to Life’s Memorable Moments
As written by The Sustainable Restaurant Association, “Gathering together to eat has always been a fundamental part of what it means to be human.
Since the advent of the modern family and a cultural shift away from these more communal, extended social systems, our public spaces have played an important role in facilitating these interactions and maintaining our wider social bonds.”
Our days of foraging and gathering may be over, but our need for connection remains the same. First dates, wedding anniversaries, milestone birthdays, job interviews, reunions, and even the daily rituals of a morning coffee or ‘after-work pint’ all take place in hospitality spaces. These venues provide comfort, atmosphere, and a sense of occasion, enhancing our experiences and strengthening our relationships.
You may have emotional ties or connections to a local venue yourself. Perhaps it was the backdrop to the first date with your spouse, or the place you took your son or daughter for their first ‘pint’. Or even the setting to some of your friendship group’s most memorable and funniest stories (The ones that are brought up over and over again and never fail to make you cry with laughter!)
Hospitality as a Community Builder
Beyond individual experiences, the hospitality sector is a cornerstone of local communities.
It provides social hubs where people come together, and access a sense of belonging and connection, especially in times of personal challenge or social uncertainty.
A local café or pub can quickly become a second home. At Classeq, we often receive enquiries from community venues - church halls, community centers and community cafes that have developed a need for a commercial machine. This further signifies the impact.
These are places where new parents may find respite, where older generations stay connected, and where individuals facing isolation find warmth and conversation. The hospitality industry plays a vital role in making our towns and cities more connected and vibrant.
From the perspective of a hospitality business owner, customer expectations are evolving and shifting, and so this concept comes into greater focus. A welcoming space with a seamless experience and a unique atmosphere could be the key to attracting more customers and groups. Social sustainability is often talked about in this context. It means considering how your business interacts with its environment, its people, and the wider community. Almost one in three people (29%) said they go to local restaurants because they give back to the local community.
It’s believed that by nurturing strong connections to your community, you’ll open your business up to new opportunities.?
When the service and experience is seamless, and the business is connected to the wider community, It’s not just about the food or drinks. This holistic approach allows guests to focus on what truly matters - connection and celebration.
The Emotional and Cultural Value of Hospitality
According to a 2023 OpenTable report, “Restaurants do more than cook delicious food. They help shape communities and boost local economies and can serve as a catalyst to reinvigorate entire towns or neighbourhoods.” The report goes on to talk about venues as the critical ‘third space’ in our communities, providing emotional and cultural value to the people it serves.
Hospitality allows us to explore, enjoy and connect to other cultures and traditions. Every country, region, and community have its own traditions around food and gathering, from Sunday roasts to festival feasts. These shared experiences shape our identities and strengthen our bonds.
Restaurants and cafes often introduce patrons to diverse cuisines and traditions and promote a richer cultural understanding.
Many establishments uphold and celebrate local customs, from local to regional culinary specialities. But the UK is also blessed with a rich diversity that extends to our hospitality industry, with opportunities to sample cuisines and catch a glimpse into culture from around the world.
Events like local food festivals or cultural nights hosted by hospitality venues strengthen community bonds and celebrate shared identities.
These can serve as cultural touchpoints, where we can reflect and embrace traditions, seasonal events, and local identities.
As the author, Joan D. Chittister aptly stated, "Hospitality is the way we come out of ourselves. It is the first step towards dismantling the barriers of the world."
Restaurants can also help to protect regional food cultures by choosing locally grown foods and making use of heritage recipes, which is something we are seeing a lot more of today.
It’s important to note that hosting and being hosted tap into timeless human traditions of generosity, care, and togetherness. Sharing a meal can bridge gaps, build relationships, and provide comfort during difficult times.
According to Open Table, 86% of Brits noted that the whole community can suffer when a local pub closes. While 76% of hospitality workers said that they feel the place they work makes a positive contribution to the community.
It is without a doubt that venues have the power to bring people together in ways that transcend social and cultural boundaries.
Supporting the Backbone of Hospitality
So, why are we chatting about the amazing virtues of the hospitality sector and how it affects us pretty much every day, when we’re that one step outside of hospitality’s inner circle?
Well, the answer’s pretty simple. We’re huge fans and supporters of the industry and we know our machines play a crucial role in meeting customers’ expectations and keeping service flowing.
In previous careers, many of our team may have been frustrated restauranteurs, pub landlords or hoteliers, who come alive when they’re in a hospitality venue (or wish they could’ve been on the front line!). We know there’s an emotional connection with hospitality as we experience it every day in our working lives, then we get to enjoy it again in our social and family lives.
So what’s our role within this ecosystem? Well, we like to think of Classeq’s machines as supporting this by providing simple, durable, and efficient warewashing solutions that support hospitality teams in delivering great service. Our products are developed to help reduce stress levels and minimise the (organised) chaos of commercial kitchens and bars.
The Classeq machine in the corner is there to get a job done, it might not be a glamourous job but it’s an important one. Achieving that job in a simple and efficient way is huge help to the team.
By ensuring plates, glasses, and cutlery are spotless, we can help businesses maintain high standards and a great reputation while allowing staff to focus on what matters most - providing exceptional guest experiences. So, from church communities to cafes, to larger restaurant groups, our team can recommend and configure the perfect machine for you - something you can depend on.
The economic impact of hospitality
Of course, we must address the economic impact of the industry and its contribution in terms of employment. Restaurants, cafes, pubs, and hotels don’t just serve food and drinks and provide a setting for life’s most memorable moments - they also create jobs, support local suppliers, and contribute to the economy. Many of us will remember our first jobs starting out in the industry, or the early days of setting up our businesses when we were figuring it all out. Well, what a contribution you will have made!
Since 2016, employment in the sector has risen to 3.5 million, making hospitality the third largest employer in the country.
The sector also significantly contributes to the economy and the communities it serves. In recent years, the UK's hospitality industry has increased its annual economic contribution by ￡20 billion, reaching ￡93 billion.
We cannot deny its value to our community and economy!
A final thought
Hospitality is more than an industry. It’s where life happens. It’s the backdrop to our celebrations and the setting for our daily rituals. It creates jobs and communities and enhances our cultural experiences.
As we continue to navigate economic and social changes, recognising and supporting the hospitality industry is more critical than ever. Whether through policy, business support, or simply choosing to spend time in our local venues, we all play a part in keeping this essential industry alive.
At Classeq, we are passionate about the growth and success of the hospitality sector. That’s why we are committed to providing you with content that explores every juncture of the hospitality journey from the distribution of catering equipment right through to the patron’s plate.?
If there is a topic you’d like us to explore further, do let us know. Otherwise, view our full content library here, or speak to a member of the team today . Whether it’s a new machine you need, or technical support, our team is ready to assist.
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References:
2.????? UK Hospitality
3.????? OpenTable