'Thinking of f**king an entire industry? We’re here to help you do so safely'

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

In response to the Government’s decision to impose tier three restrictions in large parts of the country, Alex Claridge from The Wilderness has had hundreds of boxes of branded condoms made, all of which picture Boris Johnson’s face.

COVIDOMS are novelty condoms intended to condemn the cavalier approach of central government to hospitality. The packaging abruptly reads: “Thinking of f**king an entire industry? We’re here to help you do so safely.”

Alex Claridge, owner of The Wilderness said: "Tier three represents total wipe out for the majority of hospitality businesses unless significant and meaningful additional support is provided fast. “Hospitality puts the safety of its guests and staff at the forefront of operations, and I have to question why hospitality, a controlled environment, is punished when comparable leisure industries remain open.

“The government continues to offer no credible evidence or data to support their choices. Hospitality is the third largest industry in the UK and the government are forcing it down a path of total destruction. Just as we asked when we launched a petition for hospitality at the start of the COVID crisis, we ask that the government address the profound and legitimate concerns of an industry that adds immense value – both financially and culturally to this country.

“Today is a sad day for so many of us, and we stand and speak out for the millions of incredible professionals who will be affected by these ill-considered choices. A pack of condoms are now en route to 10 Downing Street."

Grilled by The Staff Canteen · S2 Ep31 - Alex Claridge, Roberta Hall & Anna Haugh on when restaurants should reopen

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.