Supporting local businesses in Cheltenham

Cheltenham's life revolves around restaurants, bars and clubs and without them, the streets seem neglected and lonely. short of the music, people and laughter (organised by the local businesses) we walk around feeling dull and lifeless wondering what to do.

And this is why I cannot stress enough why we need to support our businesses at this time of need and when we come out the other side, our loyalty will have them standing stronger than ever. It's our unique independent businesses that separate us from just being an average place, we are somewhere people remember and long to return to.

A healthy and popular restaurant, Vinnie's Eatery's owner Vincenzo has put together a fantastic and affordable idea to help out the community. The business owner has put together fruit and vegetable packs to order to your door through Uber Eats or collect from them directly for just £15 per bag.

He says:

"We are just adapting to the market and coming up with new ideas because everything is changing."

Vincenzo wants to encourage people to make healthy meals while in self-quarantine, especially the regular customers who are probably feeling well, homesick from a great place to grab a bite to eat. Give their Facebook and Instagram a follow to stay updated.

Over a week ago now the Government told the hospitality industry to do one final close and lock the doors until the foreseeable future leaving many local businesses across Cheltenham feeling worried and concerned about what to do next. Some places like the Daffodil decided to close before the instruction.

Thankfully according to Gov.uk hospitality, retail and leisure places will be granted up to twenty-five thousand pounds to relieve some of the stress and hopefully push them through the other side.

But this is why we, Cheltenham are very lucky to have our amazing independent businesses who go above and beyond letting us into their not so physical doors, but welcome us through their social media. Places across Cheltenham are offering live streams of popular DJ's, live music and food services to make sure we are ok and most importantly, making sure we are still smiling.

Under the Prom manager, Jordan Habberfield, 26 says:

"Our aim is to simply entertain and help everyone so they can to feel as though life hasn't been altered. We want to help people get through this troubling time whatever way we can."

When we come out the other end of this Vincenzo says:

"It will be hard for people to jump back into their normal lifestyle and it will take a few months after that even."

But right now, we need to be supporting our businesses by buying gift vouchers online like what the Bottle of Sauce have done found on Dodo Co or buy the fresh fruit and vegetable packs from Vinnie's Eatery. Even as simple as showing our love by joining the live streams to enjoy from the comfort of our own home.

Please comment if you know of any more local businesses who are offering an amazing service during this pandemic, the more we share the more we can support.

Stay smiling,

Z