Benugo's Waterloo

 Benugo and their new outlet on the balcony of Waterloo station - traditional counters are out; tables are in

 Simple presentation aids - sinks, platters and steps plus attractive glass sided and not-too-high multideck chillers

Italian Lunches on the Go

We will be adding Malletti to our London Cafe Tour - no menu (and not in truth a cafe) but great simple presentation of Italian lunches to go.

A Clever Counter Heating Unit

The story is great.










My good mate and entrepreneur Stephen Minall saw an inexpensive but really well made counter-top heating unit at a trade fair and now has the exclusive rights in the UK.

It is made by the same German folk who warm your car seats.

Unobtrusive, washable and ideal for keeping hot food warm.

Sadly, I am not a shareholder;  contact Stephen at stephen@movingfood.com and he can send you more details.  I think Carbon Heater will be big.

Jamie's Success

Enter the Jamie's Italian in Liverpool and it's theatre - live pasta making.  This hugely successful, fast-expanding restaurant chain has much to teach us.  I note and applaud:

• Kitchen cloth type serviettes
• House wine in tetrapaks
• Lots of food and product out on display
• Planks/platters/boards used to serve food
• "Humble" green salad
• Wood and metalwork artisan fit out with an inexpensive, basic ceiling
• "Posh Chips" - truffle oil and parmesan, funky garlic and parsley

Keep an eye on this one.  Customers love the unpretentious feel of it all.  Jamie's 'get it', are full and are on the money.

Staff Tips

What do we think?

Naff in the extreme is my view.  Especially in a cafe where you queue to order and take your own drink to the table.

My suggestion would be to feature the food rather than the tip box.