Well Birmingham what a year? ups, downs, sideways, loop the loops, we have had the lot. We send our love to all our hospitality brothers and sisters In what has been a tricky month for the industry. We are all being told to work from home and not to socialise but the bars (like us) remain open, a recipe for empty bar stools. 

I'm sure we all have mixed emotions as we pre heat the oven for the turkey (or nut roast) and start the draw the curtain on 2021. Hopefully to spend sometime with our nearest and dearest. The amazing science and availabiliy of vaccines + lateral flow tests hopefully mean many families & friends can see each other this week. We are social animals and should cherish every interaction we have (with masks on of course).    

As an independent business that only opened in November 2019 we had no idea of the battle that lay ahead in 2020 & 2021 (and probably beyond) but we are still glad we took the plunge. Although its been tough emotionally, financially & physically it has given us the opportunity to take responsibility and have a direct impact on our staff and customers lives. From running 'PitPat on the back' giving all key workers and NHS staff a free game at The Floodgate, becoming a living wage employer or our Directors volunteering at Covid vaccination centres it has all been worth it.    

We have learnt alot since opening and especially this year. The pandemic had exposed alot of cracks in the hospitality sector (along with other indutries) surrounding pay, working conditions and other factors. One thing we will carry with us is always put people before profits. As happy people make a happy world and a happy world...... you guessed it..... is a better place to live.

So from all of us at The Floodgate, we hope you will get the chance to see all your loved ones this year, argue over 'who likes brussel sprouts' (and please call anyone you think is lonely). We wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year (lets hope 2022 is the best yet).

Team Floodgate.