parlez, an independent restaurant in Brockley, South London, has adapted its business to continue serving its local community throughout the coronavirus pandemic after securing a £75,000 loan from HSBC UK through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
Local entrepreneurs Louis Edwards and Matt Ward opened the restaurant in 2016 with the aim of bringing people together through food, drink, music and friends to help the neighbourhood feel at home. With a focus on social and environmental business practices, such as using local suppliers and seasonal produce to supporting food-led charities and community groups through their trade. parlez has since grown a loyal customer following and has greatly added to Brockley’s independent business offer. However, following government guidance on Covid-19, the business remains until the hospitality industry can reopen on 4th July.
The five-figure funding from HSBC UK has provided vital support to the company at this time by covering lost income streams and business costs as well as protecting the jobs of 20 employees. It has also enabled the company to adapt, find new ways of operating and adhere to social distancing measures. Most recently, parlez has partnered with other local food and bar vendors in Camden and Brixton including Baba G’s Food and Brixton Brewery, and restarted its popular weekend brunch, all available for delivery via Deliveroo and Uber Eats or for contactless collection at the restaurant.
Louis Edwards, Co-Founder and Owner of parlez, commented: “As a young independent company we’re able to adapt our business model to continue offering great food to the neighbourhood and bring people together, thanks to the support of HSBC UK. We’re extremely grateful to the team for believing in our vision and supporting a business model that looks beyond the financial bottom line.”
Daniel Russel, Area Director at HSBC UK Corporate Banking for North London, added: “parlez is an ambitious independent rethinking the traditional dining experience to create a more sustainable, socially focused business. We look forward to seeing the company meet its goals and be a game changer in its industry going forward.”
parlez aims to continue exploring how technology can improve social and economic resilience and adapt its offer during the pandemic, as well as work towards its longer term ambition of bringing a community hub to every new housing development across the country with a focus on social value and sustainability.
HSBC UK is working closely with the Government and UK Finance to identify emerging issues and make sure customers and businesses have the advice and support they need. For tips and advice for businesses around planning for any possible disruption, visit www.business.hsbc.com/novel-coronavirus.
