The hospitality industry may be about providing food, drink, accommodation and service, but sometimes you have to go the extra mile to pull customers in. If you’re stuck for ideas on how to make your business more appealing take a look at what others are doing for inspiration.
Guest chefs
Midsummer House chef/patron Daniel Clifford will be sharing his kitchen with four other Michelin-starred chefs next week to help raise money for Children in Need. Claude Bosi of Hibiscus, Paul Cunningham of The Paul in Copenhagen, Glynn Purnell of Purnell's and Tom Kerridge of the Hand and Flowers will be donating their time for free to cook a five-course menu at the Cambridge restaurant for one night each from next Tuesday (17 November) to Saturday 21 November. Guests will be charged £130 per head (including wine) with £40 per ticket going to Children in Need.
Wine bluff
D&D London's restaurant Quaglino's will also be doing its bit for charity this week by hosting an evening for ActionAid. 'Call my wine bluff' next Thursday (19 November) will see celebrities such as Emma Thomson and Olly Smith try to dupe guests into believing a story behind the wine that is being tasted. The restaurant will serve a three-course dinner and will serve wines donated by wine merchant Berry Bros as well as hosting a live auction and raffle.
Rock 'n' Roll Afternoon Tea
The original rock 'n' roll hotel The Gore, used as the setting for the Rolling Stones' film Beggars Banquet, has created a Rock 'n' Roll Afternoon Tea for guests who want to dine like their rock icons. The rock-themed £22.50 tea includes Jack Daniels muffins, mini custard pies and music shaped cookies, which can all be washed down with a Jack Daniels & Coke or a glass of Champagne for an extra £7.50.
Kill Chill Volume 1
YO! Sushi is inviting diners to ‘Kill Chill’ at their restaurants this winter, with the introduction of their new seasonal menu that features five new hot and spicy dishes. Broken down into Kill Chill Volume 1 and Volume 2, the menu, which includes Garlic Pepper Edmame, Beef Curry Udon Soup and Prawn Korroke, are available until 31 December 2009.