It never ceases to amaze me that the guys at jellybean are always up for a new challenge. No matter how busy they are juggling workload with a hectic home life, even if it eats into their personal time and requires them to go outside their comfort zone. Whether it’s a 100-mile bike ride, running a marathon, completing the moonwalk, taking on the 3 peaks challenge, or devoting time or expertise to a charity initiative – the beans will rise to the occasion with enthusiasm, commitment and determination. All whilst having fun as a team and enjoying the banter and camaraderie along the way.

So, it doesn’t surprise me that once again 17 of us are stepping up to the plate and forming team – ‘It’s Bean Emotional’ to take part in the To Hell and Back Challenge for Hospitality Action. We have committed to making a virtual 535-mile round trip from jellybean HQ to The Bean Inn in Cornwall between the 10th and 18th of June. Of course, we will need to make a few pit stops en route and plan to stop for a virtual pie and a pint, or coffee and croissant at The Crazy Bean Café in Leatherhead and then on to The Bean and Bar in Winchester, The Duck and Bean in Tiverton and our final destination The Bean Inn in St Ives, before heading straight back to jellybean HQ. We will all be cycling, running or walking the route (tracking our progress via Strava) and have committed to raising at least £2,500 for HA. You can follow our progress here and if you want to get involved there is further information here and even better, if you can spare a few bob we would love you to make a donation to this wonderful cause here.

The past 12 months have been extremely tough and unpredictable for the whole of hospitality and have affected the lives and livelihoods of so many who work in this vibrant industry. The final and true cost is unknown, the health and welfare as well as commercial and employment impacts of Coronavirus are as yet unquantified. It is fair to say the shockwaves of the pandemic will be felt for years to come. The industry really has been To Hell and Back and has never needed help more.

One constant that has been there throughout the pandemic to support individuals who work or have worked in the sector is Hospitality Action and that is why jellybean is proud to be an official sponsor as well as take part in the To Hell and Back Challenge June 10th-18th 2021 in order to help raise vital funds. As a specialist foodservice agency, we have supported and been involved with HA for over 30 years, recognising it as a highly proactive and agile charity and a vital lifeline for people connected to the hospitality industry. It is always creative in its ideas to raise crucial funds, brings the sector together to achieve its goals and is a lifeline for people in need. The To Hell and Back Challenge is another shining example of this and one we are very proud to be associated with. Go team jellybean, or should I say team ‘It’s Bean Emotional!’