2020 seems to have been the year that nobody could have predicted and everybody wants to forget, and unfortunately as we start on 2021 things don't seem to have improved much. But holding on to our optimism, in this issue we reflect on some of the high points we've encountered and the signs of hope for the future of hospitality.

We take a close look at a shining light of the community, the Hornbeam Centre and Cafe in Walthamstow, which continued throughout the pandemic with its sterling work redistributing food, reducing food waste going to landfill and providing healthy meals for people in the area.

Going beyond our local community, we talk to people who have used the switch to digital to build connections that could so easily have been lost. Our feature To infinity and beyond (page 12) looks at how digital engagement has opened up new ways to learn, network and experience the world of coffee on a global level.

Our main feature – Beyond the new normal (page 17) – has advice from industry experts and independent operators on ways to create resilience in your business. From robust financial planning to diversification, it is packed with knowledge and know-how. We hope you find it informative and useful over the coming months.