LEADING restaurateur and chef Darren Bennett, who owns one of Essex's top restaurants, The Magic Mushroom at Barleylands on the outskirts of Basildon, has welcomed today's (Wednesday, 3 March) budget by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

After what has been one of the toughest years in history for all hospitality and indeed other sector Mr Bennett said: "Today's announcements will make a difference to us in the hospitality sector. We understand the help cannot last forever and these gradual returns to normality will make a difference.

"It is still going to be a difficult journey but hopefully more bearable."

Today's budget announcements extended the reduced rate of VAT to 30 September for the hospitality sector, the 100 per cent business rate relief was extended to 30 June and the furlough scheme will now run until 30 September

Mr Bennett and his team have been innovative as they have tackled the problems caused by the pandemic and lockdown.

The Magic Mushroom was quick to respond to the challenge of seeking new business by launching what has proved to be a highly successful 'Collection Menu'. It gives diners the opportunity to experience the same fine dining as they would in the restaurant but in the comfort of their own homes.

The menu does have to change weekly due to produce availability but the response from the local community spurred the team to carry on.

As well as the collection menu, Mr Bennett and his team offered a barbecue menu including marquees and for Christmas launched a Cook at Home Menu which was adapted for Valentine's Day and now Mother's Day.

This offers freshly prepared food for diners to cook at home and is presented with full cooking instructions. These Cook at Home Menus have been a success and Darren has started to deliver these too, which with the present guidelines enables him to add Champagne and Wine to the Menus.

Mother's Day 2021 has seen Darren and the team launch an afternoon tea, which at the moment is available for collection.

You can find out more via this link.