Restaurateur says handling of pandemic has crippling effect on business and mental health

Chris Newman should have been looking forward to celebrating the first anniversary of Homme Nouveau, which he opened in Whittlesey’s Market Place only last November.

His life’s dream, the fine dining establishment received rave reviews and business was booming when lockdown hit in March and the nightmare began.

His staff furloughed, the 35-year-old worked six days a week preparing and delivering meals to customers no longer able to visit.

And while he reopened in July he did not benefit from August’s Eat Out To Help Out Scheme, because he is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Feeling the hospitality industry needed a voice - and help - Chris, a former head chef at Peterborough’s Bull Hotel and the Sibson Inn just outside the city, has written to Peterborough MP Paul Bristow, who he knows despite not being a constituent, saying time was running out for his government

In his letter, he says: “Our industry needs some urgent support. We restaurants and pubs are being crippled. My restaurant trade is now in decline because of these ridiculous measures in place. Customers are more anxious now than they were before!

“The data simply does not fit. More people are dying from other illnesses because they have had appointments cancelled from the NHS.

“It is completely overwhelming and unfair that hospitality is facing the brunt of the restrictions, with little support.”

Chris said measures introduced early on in the spring by Chancellor Rishi Sunak - the job retention scheme and grants - were life savers, adding: “Why can this not come back? These ‘circuit breakers’ talked about may work for the two weeks in use, but what after? The virus will come back again and again. Are we going to be in this continuous cycle of lockdowns?”

He added: “It is all well and good Ministers and MPs throwing us all under the bus.... they are not the ones telling potwashers or waitresses there is no money left!”

In recent weeks Chris has not shied away from speaking about his own personal mental health issues on His social media feeds. And he tells Mr Bristow in the letter: “You may or may not be aware but I suffer with depression and anxiety. How do you all think this all affects me? Do you even care? Little old me compared to that joke of a health secretary who can drink in the Commons past 10pm!

“I hope you take this email seriously - as seriously as I take my mental health and my staff and family’s mental health. Time is running out for government to fix this properly.”

And he finishes with: “Maybe you should read this out to the Commons.”

Mr Bristow said he was aware of the letter, which was shared with the Peterborough Telegraph, and would contact Mr Newman, who he knew, in person.