Restaurant Update - September 2023

THE REVIEWS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES

Efficient and helpful service from start to finish. Superlative product quality. The process of choosing an awning suitable to our needs and budget was helped by the expert knowledge of the team. We needed a fast turnaround and that’s what we got. From placing the order to fitting, took less than two weeks. We had a choice from hundreds of fabric patterns which we simply would not have had if we had gone elsewhere. The installation team worked tidily and completed the job in a timely manner. Based on our experience of Indigo Awnings, we would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

• increased revenue

• increased capacity

• improved curb appeal

• enhanced atmosphere

• multiple dining experiences

some benefits of sheltered outdoor areas:

• wider audience reach

• ability to book private events

• no need for costly extensions

• better competitive advantage

• free promotion with branding

• year round weather protection

• improved customer satisfaction

• space to host functions/events

• improved reviews

BIG DISCOUNTS AND CLEARANCE LINES

Eden Furniture have slashed prices across a number of ranges of both indoor and outdoor furniture.

With up to 75% off our list prices this really is a great chance to grab yourself a bargain. Stocks are limited so will be on a first come first served basis.

In addition to our Summer Sale we also have a clearance list with end of lins and discontinued stock at give away prices. Check out our website for full details.

Rustic Vintage Style Furniture

Eden Furniture has a massive selection of Indoor, Outdoor & Poolside Furniture. Our Harrogate and Truro Ranges have become increasingly popular with their rustic and rural charms. The Harrogate Range is available in dining and bar height with complimentary stools and benches. The Truro Range is also in dining and bar height with dining stools and benches. Both ranges are made to order so almost any size is achievable.

Call: 01527 519580 E: sales@edenfurniture.co.uk

Warehouse & Showroom Unit 16 Padgets Lane, South Moons Moat, Redditch, Worcs B98 0RA

www.edenfurniture.co.uk

Eucalyptus – The Refresher

Hill Hassall Botanics, The Eucalyptus Beverage Company, discovered a novel way to infuse a sophisticated Eucalyptus essence into a rejuvenating, everyday drink. The one word that came back over and over again at tasting events was “refreshing.” The bubbles in sparkling water served to amplify the aromatic qualities of the Eucalyptus globulus leaves and in Hill Hassall Botanics’ signature drink, The Refresher, they really deliver.

The Refresher is one measure Hill Hassall Botanics’ Eucalyptus cordial, five measures sparkling water and a wedge of lime or cucumber to garnish. Eucalyptus is a pleasant surprise on the palette: cleansing, moreish, delicate and novel. Easy to make and a unique taste to enjoy and present to guests. Fantastic after exercise or when winding down in the evening. At 50ml a serving and a 1:5 blend with sparkling water The Refresher costs just over £1 per 300ml serving.

Mature Eucalyptus globulus leaves are harvested by hand in a purposeplanted Eucalyptus grove at Ventnor Botanic Garden on the Isle of Wight, so for those that want to know where their products come from, we can trace the special flavour straight back to the grove. The botanic garden on the Isle of Wight has the largest outdoor collection of Eucalyptus in the U.K. Eucalyptus grows particularly well in the microclimate there which is 5oC hotter than the U.K. mainland. As ash, elm and oak disappear from the U.K. landscape, we may see more and more Eucalypts in U.K. gardens and woodlands.

The Refresher is not only a great new taste, it is good for you. 1.8-cineole or Eucalyptol is a natural organic compound found in Eucalyptus globulus. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has been proven clinically effective in treating upper and lower respiratory tract diseases. When we look to plants used medicinally by indigenous people, we often find an effective, if out of use, medicine chest. The Aborigines used Eucalyptus to alleviate skin, joint and lung conditions. Indeed, Eucalyptus finds its way into many modern-day products. Many medicinal herbalists count Eucalyptus as a core plant remedy.

Beyond The Refresher mixologists have found Hill Hassall Botanics’ Eucalyptus cordial to be a versatile mixer, an exciting addition to a classic G&T, a Mojito, a boost for juices like orange, cranberry and apple. Everyone likes a unique new refreshing taste whether competing for Cocktail of the Year or just making that breakfast orange juice more appealing.

Available on hillhassall.co.uk.

WHEN SMOKE & FIRE MEETS AMERICAN CRAFT BEER & FOOD!

The Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association representing small and independent American craft brewers, recently demonstrated the interplay between smoke, fire, beer and food at hot, new London restaurant, Humo in a bid to encourage more chefs and restauranteurs to consider elevating beer to a food accompaniment.

Seven exquisite courses of smoke-infused delicacies were matched with seven equally amazing American craft beers chosen to harmonise with the flavours in the food. The menu and pairings were devised by the Humo chefs and Adam Dulye, Brewers Association Executive Chef and a world-renowned expert on beer pairings.

The menu comprised; Trout with three-month aged caviar smoked over HP18 oak and Rausu Konbu + The Bold Mariner Digital Goodbye pilsner. A crisp, light accompaniment to the subtle smoky notes of the fish

Kombu-Gin-Me sea bream with fermented datterino + Coronado Weekend Vibes IPA. Bursting with tropical fruit notes and resinous dankness this hazy IPA was the perfect partner for the fermented flavours of the dish

Garden Salad of smoked Agria potatoes, mizuno, East Sussex sansho pepper + Destihl Tourbus Deadhead Hazy IPA. A wonderful smoky aroma and taste from the potatoes captured the essence of this lush tropical, citrus hop hazy IPA

Yellow tail with a citrus sauce and Castillo coffee + DC Brau Penn Quarter Porter. Bitter coffee notes in the sauce were enhanced by similar notes in the beer, along with a hint of dark chocolate

Kagoshima A4 black cattle sirloin with sudachi dashi + Heavy Riff Velvet Underbrown. A smooth and creamy brown ale merged with the showstopping flavours of the beef in winning combination

Cauliflower cooked under ash with Rokko Miso and Nori + Virginia Beer

Co Wee Heavy Waypost. Aged in Single Malt whisky barrels with notes of caramel and subtle smoke, this Scotch Ale harmonised with the smoky flavours of the vegetable to produce the ‘wow’ factor

Amalfi Lemon tart, almond base, oak ‘burnt’ meringue + 903 Brewers

Polynesian Whip Cream Ale. Pineapple and vanilla ice cream flavours of the beer were a marriage made in heaven with this divine lemon tart

American craft beer can take food to places it’s never been before and is available through national wholesalers or on line from Athletic Brewing, or the Cascade Club Chefs and restauranteurs are invited to make use of the free resources available on www.brewersassociation.org or www. craftbeer.com

Flight Club reaches new heights in partnership with Sybron

How partnership synergy hits the cleaning Bullseye every day

Introduction/overview

Flight Club and its cleaning and hygiene partner Sybron, celebrated their first year of partnership in March 2023. As Flight Club’s parent company, Red Engine, renews its contract with Sybron, significant benefits have been identified from their collaboration including 15% cost savings, zero stress, and 100% confidence!

The first contract which was signed in March 2022 was fully mobilised in under four weeks. After the three month ‘honeymoon period’, there was no dip in the levels of service from Sybron, something which can be prevalent in many new supplier relationships. Indeed, both the purchasing manager and venue managers of Flight Club, are delighted that all it takes is just one call or email to Sybron and any issue is resolved swiftly and efficiently.

The challenge

Flight Club opened the oche at its first social darts venue in Shoreditch in 2015 with its focus on bringing joy, fun and quality time to its patrons. Today, Flight Club has grown to 13 venues across the UK, with two more planned by 2023 year-end.

When David Piazzani joined Red Engine as Purchasing Manager in October 2021, it quickly became apparent that one of his first tasks was to review the supply of consumables for cleaning and hygiene at the Flight Club sites.

“The then supplier of all the cleaning, hygiene and ancillary products caused me and our Flight Club managers a lot of stress and anxiety every day,” explains David.

“With no after-sales service and a poor response to issues and problems, we started to look for a company we could develop a real partnership with. We knew that there must be a better supplier out there with more sustainable solutions, plus the attention to detail, proactive approach and willingness to be a real business partner to us.”

The solution

When David met Sybron he knew immediately that they were the right partner and in March 2022 both companies began a relationship that still, one year on, astonishes the Flight Club team with its level of service and proactive approach to every day needs.

Hygiene Service Partner, Sybron, provides products such as cleaning and disinfectants, hand towels and toilet paper, as well as janitorial supplies including sponges, mops and brooms to all the Flight Club venues.

However, it is the Sybron ethos of differentiation through a seamless service that has delivered the bullseye for Flight Club.

“Being a buyer can sometimes be very frustrating because everyone offers you the same thing over and over again,” explains David. “Sybron take a completely different approach.”

The Sybron approach

• Regular communication with an open and honest dialogue.

• Sybron deals directly with venue managers, ‘I don’t have to be the middle-man’ says David.

• Problems and issues are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

Cases in point!

• In 2022 the Bloomsbury Flight Club in central London had a random council and risk assessment. The manager immediately emailed Sybron, who replied within 30 minutes and provided all the additional information requested by the inspector.

• In December 2022 the Bloomsbury Flight Club site had all its sanitary bins unexpectedly removed by the previous contractor, leaving no facilities for that day. Within a few hours of being alerted to the problem Sybron had delivered, set up and installed bins ready for use, so there was no disruption of service.

Sybron has a pro-active approach to managing our account.

The team is consistently taking initiative and provides alternatives if there is a spike in price or a supply issue.

Sybron finds the best product, explains why it is better and what the environmental benefit is – they don’t just provide a catalogue and ask you to choose.

The Sybron approach is to engage with staff to plan and avoid problems before they happen.

They do not wait for busy managers to call them with urgent supply issues.

“Usually, Sybron has presented us with the solution before the problem arises,” explains David. “That’s because Sybron is totally aligned and integrated with our business. This gives me and the Flight Club team the confidence that someone is thinking on our behalf.

“Having a partner that understands the nature of our business means that I don’t have to repeat or re-explain anything. We discuss it once and it is done.”

The results

As a result of its partnership with Sybron Flight Club bagged a cost saving of 15% across all its sites.

But as David says: “We have saved a lot of money, but to me the cost is secondary to the service. A good price is pointless without the service. Sybron delivers zero stress and the fact that I have 100% confidence is equally valuable.

“When I find a partner like Sybron, it makes my life easy. Now they are completely symbiotic with us in terms of growth and are completely integrated into our operations for the opening of a new venue. I am not even a part of

it anymore, it just happens automatically. I don’t have to be the middle-man as with many suppliers. It is a dream partnership.”

Our customers are our partners

“Of course, service is a big part of our business,” explains Brad, director of operations at Sybron. “We are completely focused on both solving any problems promptly, but also on working to make sure there are no glitches or setbacks in the first place.

“That has always been our take on business. We see every contract as a joint partnership where we help both businesses move forward and grow. That does not happen by being reactive, so we differentiate ourselves by a wholly proactive and integrated approach.

“It is thanks to our team that we have created the synergy with Flight Club, particularly our colleagues in the office and our drivers. Our ethos resonates across the whole company – our customers are our partners, and they have a name rather than a number.”

Sustainable growth

Flight Club has doubled its estate for venues in over three years and by the end of 2023 will have 15 locations, including the first site to open in Scotland.

“With such massive growth, some things can get a bit lost. The partnership with Sybron has enabled us to meet our environmental goals to switch to eco cleaning products,” explains David.

“Moving such a big ship over to using solely sustainable products is not something that can happen overnight. However, thanks to its proactive attitude and breadth of product range, Sybron is working with us to reach our aim – to move to all eco-cleaning and hygiene solutions by the end of 2023.”

Forward together

“We see this partnership as a joint venture. Long term, we would like to consolidate more and create more fluidity with Sybron that will allow us to grow. Their seamless service gives us the platform to achieve this. All our teams have total confidence in Sybron.

“For me, it is something I don’t even think about anymore,” concludes David. “As a Purchasing Manager, Sybron is at the back of my mind, which is the best place to be if you are a supplier.”

“Looking ahead, maintaining a top-class service gets harder as you grow, so more efficiencies are required,” adds Brad. “Our business has a strict growth strategy to ensure we maintain continuity of supply. We continually aim not just to be a box-mover, but to maintain a seamless service and be a real partner to our customers.”

For more information go to www.sybron.co.uk/sybio/

What does it take to deliver the food delivery opportunity?

While the food delivery industry is big and getting bigger, making a profit remains as hard as ever. A superior customer experience and progressive automation are key steps on the journey to scale, which in turn bring big profit dollars, says Jason Smith, VP UK & Europe at MoEngage.

There’s no doubting the appetite for food deliveries is growing. Hungry for fast-format, on-demand take-outs and subscription recipe boxes, burgeoning customer demand has grown food delivery into a global market worth an estimated $130 bn in 2022, according to Statista.

Having received a huge boost during Covid, leading analysts predict it will grow to $223 bn in 2027, a CAGR of 11.44%.

Competition between delivery companies is fierce and, despite some consolidation in some territories, there appears to be a continued craving for innovation and new businesses. But both established players and new entrants are having to work up ever more inventive and imaginative customer experience (CX) strategies to attract a customer overwhelmed by a smorgasbord of options.

Some companies have tried to find new ways to generate new business and cement customer loyalty. Sometimes this is about hyper-personalising communications to surprise and delight customers. Indian food delivery company Swiggy uses artificial intelligence to give customers highly accurate delivery times, by using data to make predictions as to which driver can get there fastest based on traffic and weather conditions.

Surprise may literally be something that customers are not expecting, such as personal delivery by the founders, surprise discounts on food and reverse social media where experiences are posted out at the point of delivery, and pop-up cooking experiences where customers can even cook their own meal.

The goal is to embed hyper-personalisation so it can be delivered to all customers. By analysing customer data for trends and common challenges, insights can be shared across different departments to help companies make datadriven decisions that lead to continuous improvement. For instance, online food delivery and takeaway app, Foodhub. co.uk, doubled conversion rates to 40% while improving new customer activation times by turning customer insight into actionable marketing engagement to create meaningful customer journeys that not only improve CX and grow revenue among existing audiences but build new app users.

Other ideas are less about surprise and more about giving customers greater certainty, such as using inventory geolocation so that customers know their order is definitely available in a local restaurant. And some companies are

using a single app to offer a choice of fulfilment – deliver, take away or eat in.

Succeeding in this ruthlessly customer-focused culture requires consistent processes and behaviours from staff, as well as a continual effort to remove broken links in the fulfilment chain that can include inaccurate orders, late delivery and incorrect billing.

Certain app features should now be a given for all players in this market – easy onboarding, easy-to-use interface, realtime delivery tracking, a broad range of payment options, and recommendations for cross and upselling. These are simple steps on the road to personalisation, which should also be a given, considering the highly particular relationship that customers have with their food. And this depends on data. While this journey may start with a generic offer, companies should from scratch use every interaction in order to build profiles that will ultimately enable them to offer something unique to each customer.

However, personalisation also means that companies have to think from the customer’s point of view rather than their own. What does this unique offer look like from the customer’s point of view? Is it easy to access and use? Are there filters that will always work to surface known preferences and screen out proscribed foods for allergies and other intolerances?

And is every step of the journey simple as well as rewarding? Can they sign in not just via the app but their social media as well, which also enables them to post pictures of their dishes? Looking back in from the customer’s viewpoint will throw up a continuous flow of questions that are stored to enable progressive improvements. For instance, any number of consumers always order the same thing, so is it easy for them to do this rather than go through the same steps as for a new order?

Deep data to build personalisation also enables delivery companies to recognise that the customer may well be ordering/gifting food to friends, family and co-workers, with all their attendant preferences to be considered. In addition, these customers may well expect a reward for themselves, so a referral programme is essential to win their loyalty.

SEBO AUTOMATIC

XP 20

THE CHOICE OF PROFESSIONALS

Light to use due to a very low pushing force, the SEBO XP 20’s computer-controlled height adjustment ensures optimum cleaning performance. The low-profile design allows it to clean under furniture and the telescopic tube and tools are conveniently located and ready for instant use. Made in Germany, SEBO vacuum cleaners are used in hotels throughout the world and are recommended by leading carpet manufacturers.

• Powerful Performance

• 890W Efficient Motor

• Extremely hygenic 5.3L Triple Layer Bags

• S-Class Filtration

• 37cm Cleaning Head

• Cleans flat to the floor

• Crevice and Upholstery Nozzle

• Easy Maintenance

• Quiet & Easy to Use

• Built to Last

• Made in Germany

Also available, XP 10 with 31cm cleaning head and XP 30 with 44cm cleaning head. For exclusive deals, please call 01494 465533 and quote the code HOTEL2022

LEVEL UP

WITH FRONT OF THE HOUSE ®

Easy to build buffet essentials

Designed in Miami, all products are stocked and exclusively distributed in the United Kingdom by Lockhart Catering Equipment.

Hotel Bathroom Trends for 2023

Sustainable Design

Global warming can no longer be ignored and this is  predicted to continue to impact on purchasing habits for 2023.  In general, the world is more concerned than ever before about sustainability and protecting the planet, which will no doubt play a big part in hotel bathroom design, whether it’s for large chains or small boutique establishments.  This may include choosing only to work with companies who act in an environmentally-conscious way or by choosing products which are made from recycled materials, include sustainable features or are built to last - and of course they still have to look good too.

Nick Duggan, MD of The Radiator Centre comments, “The incentive for hotels to embrace sustainable design isn’t just from lower energy costs, hotels are also recognising that choosing this route may also attract new customers, who consider sustainability very important.  From water-saving showers and taps to energy efficient towel rails, there are many ways in which a hotel bathroom can be designed to be more sustainable.  Of course, many of these already innovative products now also include Smart technologies which can help further with efficiencies by making it easier to regulate water and energy consumption, for  busier and quieter times in the hotel.”

In terms of radiators, Nick explains, “Energy efficient radiators and towel rails work by using a much lower volume of water, thanks to LowH2O technology.  Less water means less energy is needed to heat the radiator up which in turn results in savings both for the hotel and the environment.  Aluminium radiators have less water content and faster reaction times than their steel equivalents and hence are a good choice for sustainable hotel bathrooms.”

Pastel Dreams

Whilst the black and white luxury, marbled look is never likely to go out of fashion, 2023 is predicted to see more colour being introduced in hotel bathroom design.  From bathroom products and displays at Salone del Mobile Milano earlier this year, this is expected to be in the form of pastel shades such as sage green, seasalt blue and softer palettes of coral and terracotta.  These restful colours can help a hotel bathroom to feel more personal and homely, and may be introduced in a wide variety of ways from tiling and wall colours to radiators and cabinetry.  These beautiful colours also give a nod to Mediterranean style, helping to create a relaxed holiday vibe for guests.

Research has shown that the hotel bathroom is becoming as important as the sleeping space in creating an enjoyable guest experience. We take a look at what 2023 has in store for these often spa-like but hard-working spaces.

Wellness

The trend of wellness came to the fore-front post pandemic but is showing no signs of going anywhere.  Indeed, hotel guests now view it as a holistic expectation from their hotel experience and the hotel bathroom plays a huge part in this.  From luxury resorts to family hotels, guest expectations of the hotel bathroom have become a lot higher, with guests seeing it as somewhere to relax and recharge.  It is no longer just a practical space, it needs to deliver in terms of looks and experience too.

While a wellness bathroom may feature functional elements such as the latest Rain-spray showerheads and jacuzzi baths, the look and feel of the room is of equal importance for guests to achieve that relaxed spa-like feel.  Lighting plays a big part in this as do biophilic elements, with connection to nature widely understood to help reduce stress and improve health.

Also key to a wellness space is a clutter-free environment, hence storage elements are key in order to achieve this.  Nick comments, “Hotel towel rails play an important part in not just warming and drying

towels but also storing them.  Many of the latest designs include options for hooks, shelves or rails, and the way the towels are stored and displayed becomes part of the overall look.  As with every aspect of the room, it needs to not only be functional but fit with the interior style too.”

A Cohesive space

With wellness being seen as such an important part of the guest experience, the lines are becoming more blurred between the hotel bathroom and the suite or sleeping space itself.  The bathroom is starting to be prioritised more, with more of the total space allocated to it. There is a shift towards a more cohesive design between the two spaces, which in turn creates the illusion of a bigger space overall.

As Nick comments, “Bathrooms need to live up to the design and quality of the sleeping space and the use of colours, texture, lighting and accessories can help to achieve this.  Bathroom towel rails don’t have to conform to the traditional ladder style and the latest designs look sleek and stylish, helping to create a feeling of luxury and cohesion between the two spaces.” www.theradiatorcentre.com

Moda, where outdoor furniture really means business.

Unlocking the potential of your outdoor space can be a seriously good business move.

Whether you need a place to close deals with clients, a second meeting room or a nineteenth hole par excellence, taking your work outside offers huge attractions. And as the UK’s leading luxury outdoor furniture brand, Moda is ideally placed to help turn your vision into reality. Having started out as a family-run company in 2014, Moda has quickly established a reputation for innovative furniture solutions with exceptional customer service. This has led to a growing demand for their services from an increasingly diverse client base, as a greater variety of commercial sectors have looked to transform their outdoor spaces.

A tailored approach

With a dedicated Commercial team, Moda’s clients can choose from a vast collection of furniture sets to meet all business requirements. Expert account managers are on hand to offer a tailored approach, managing site visits and sampling to guide you through the process of your purchase.

With Moda’s market-leading 3d rendering service, designs can be modelled into businesses’ properties and space, providing visual impressions and assisting with further planning and decision-making.

Uniquely modular, uniquely Moda

Your outdoor space can change from one day to the next, which is where Moda’s flexible modular systems really come into their own. All of their furniture ranges have a number of modular configurations that can be customised - move them around your business areas, expand your collection, split them up or put them together to complement your changing commercial requirements.

It creates a compelling fusion of aesthetics and adaptability.

The choice is almost limitless, with a host of options of sofa combinations, not to mention dining ranges which incorporate unique features such as drinks coolers and fire pit inserts.

Smart furniture to drive businesses forward

With their all-weather materials and uncompromising build quality, Moda furniture collections are meticulously engineered to withstand the demands of the modern workplace - and the great British weather. Every item

of luxury outdoor furniture is designed exclusively in-house. This allows Moda to offer a perfect balance of both style and substance that can be enjoyed all year round. What’s more, Moda’s market leading three-year commercial guarantee offers commercial clients peace of mind and their aftercare policy and maintenance packages reinforces their commitment to client satisfaction.

Expert delivery and installation

Moda is well placed to meet the demands of the commercial market with stock available for timely delivery via their impressive fleet of 150 in-house vehicles. This enables Moda to exceed client expectations through fast delivery, meticulous installation and aftercare. Their team of fully-trained engineers are available to you at no extra cost, covering unpacking, furniture placement and the removal of all packaging for recycling.

Take the first step to maximising the use of your outdoor space.

Talk to one of Moda’s Commercial Business Development Managers. Tel: 033 3363 7015 or email: commercial@modafurnishings.co.uk modafurnishings.co.uk/commercial