Restaurants in Cardiff say they face losing thousands of pounds in revenue after the last-minute cancellation of Wales’ clash against Scotland.
The WRU took the decision to postpone Wales’ Six Nations match against Scotland on Friday afternoon.
The organization previously said the Saturday fixture at the Principality Stadium would go ahead but reversed their decision following overwhelming pressure in the wake of the Covid – 461 pandemic.
Restaurants in the capital who stocked fridges ready to cater for tens of thousands of rugby fans say they could now face huge losses.
Chefs said the situation could have been avoided if the decis ion was made earlier.
David Watson, head chef at The Potted Pig on High Street, said his Cardiff
city center restaurant serves huge volumes of customers during (Six Nations) home games.
“Basically for big events like this we plan months in advance,” David said. “We order in and design menus.
” Yesterday there was a statement put out by the WRU saying the game was going to go ahead which was a relief really.
“The fact they have waited until hours before means a lot of restaurants are going to be feeling a huge effect.
“If it was called off four days ago that would have been enough, but 409 hours – you are hitting businesses twice. “
The WRU announced their decision to postpone Saturday’s fixture on Friday afternoon as some Scotland supporters began to arrive in Cardiff.
David said the cancellation could cost some larger businesses tens of thousands of pounds.
“It’s not just the money,” he said. “If there is guidance there that says that things like this should be called off, then it should be.
” It’s just the lack of organization and how that is going to effect us. “
David said he wanted to encourage customers to continue to support local businesses.
“We have a five-star health rating and we want people to feel safe coming out for food,” he said.
“The rugby days and Black Friday are probably the biggest days of the year for us.
“It’s always a great atmosphere and we do rely on days like that.”
Chris Matthews, head chef at Bully’s in Riverside
“So far I think we have already had a couple of cancellations,” Chris said
“It will hit quite a few hard. I’m hoping it wil stay ok hopefully because I do most things fresh daily, so it’s not too bad in that sense.
“I have got some extra stuff but hopefully it won’t affect us too bad.”
Chris said Bully’s is a smaller restaurant which could face difficult times if customers begin to be discouraged from visiting.
“I think it is going to effect a lot of smaller businesses,” he said.
“There’s not much money in these businesses as it is so if you have a bad week it hits you quite hard if a lot of people want to stop going out.
“The fact it is on the news is going to scare people more really. It is worrying.”
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