Alex visited Hug on a Trays new shop in Manor Square, the local community group raises money to pay for free TV for all patients on J88 & J89 in Bexley wing at St James Hospital in Leeds.
Alex said “I have been really impressed with this small local charity, as well as raising money to pay for patients TV they also provide them with a tray full of goodies to make themselves a drink and some snacks.”
“The shop in Manor Square is a new venture and after visiting to see the work being done it is clear that the project is well supported by generous donations of stock. All the stock is brand new.”
“The venture is run by 8 volunteers who not only run the shop but have stalls regularly outside M&Co in Otley and Morrisons at Yeadon”
“Work was ongoing during my visit at the rear of the property to build a Santa’s Grotto for children to visit and a storage area”
Alex added “If you haven’t already visited the shop I certainly recommend popping in”
Alex then visited Shadow Brewing on Boroughgate, where he met owner Ian Shutt. The Tap room was opened back in September of this year, but the microbrewery was established over 2 years ago.
Alex said, “I was delighted to visit the Tap Room to see and discuss this new venture, including the hardships facing hospitality and brewing at the moment.”
“We were also joined by representatives of Meanwood Brewery and CAMRA and discussed how the industry is recovering since re-opening after the lockdowns and how the industry can be helped more by the Government to ensure these small businesses survive.
One of the issues raised was the Relief on Draught Beer, the keg size for qualifying for relief is set at 40 litres and therefore small brewers cannot benefit from the relief as they use 20 or 30 litre kegs. I have written on their behalf to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to ask for him to reconsider the requirement size of the Kegs to enable small brewers to benefit from the relief.”
Alex went on to say “It’s really encouraging given the damage caused by the Pandemic to businesses and the economy that there are new ventures in Otley. I wish both Hug on a Tray and Shadow Brewing continued success”