Inception Group sets up £25,000 NHS bar tab

The money will be spread across all the group's sites, and NHS workers will be able to claim a free drink by showing their NHS identification badges when they order. 

“We want to express our deepest gratitude to NHS workers, who have been the backbone of our country throughout this pandemic, so we are thrilled to announce that they will be welcomed back with open arms into our venues for some extremely well-deserved, and we imagine, much-needed, drinks on us," says Inception Group co-founder Charlie Gilkes.

"These have been the most challenging times that we, as a business, and the hospitality sector in general, have ever faced. However, no industry has been more critical, or worked harder under immense pressure during this period than our NHS, so we would like to reward their extraordinary efforts."

Inception Group’s reopening plans also include adapting working practices and spaces to create Covid-secure socialising environments, which will involve the introduction of temperature checks for staff; hand sanitation dispensers at key points throughout the venues; 'rigorous' cleaning routines; and a one-way system for entry and exit where possible.

The group is set to reopen its first site, Mr Fogg's Residence in Mayfair, this weekend; followed by the external bar of Mrs Fogg's in The City, the ground floor room of Mr Fogg's House of Botanicals in Fitzrovia, and Cahoots Ticket Hall in Soho next week.

Over the course of July, the group will also reopen Mr Fogg's Tavern in Covent Garden (16 July); and Barts bar in Chelsea (23 July).

The rest of the group's estate are currently scheduled to reopen over two dates in September and October.