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.
Pub workout
If the arrival of January signals the simultaneous tightening of waistbands and purse strings, then Paradise by way of Kensal Green has the answer. The gastropub is running free training sessions in nearby Queens Park throughout January. Attendees receive a detox smoothie and a £20 voucher to spend on a meal.
£1 rooms
Umi Hotels in Brighton and London will be selling one bedroom room per day for the bargain price of £1 plus VAT as part of its January sales promotion. Following the sucess of a similar promotion last year the three star hotel chain is also offering business guests the chance to hire a conference room for £1 plus VAT per delegate. The price includes lunch, hot drinks and room hire for up to 25people. Business guests must register on www.umihotellondon.co.uk or www.umihotelbrighton.co.uk for the chance to win the deal. One winner will be picked at random for the prize.
Green wines
Diners can quaff with a conscience at Alimentum restaurant in Cambridge from January, where ethically produced wines will take centre stage. The aptly named Red, White & Green wine list includes wines from organic vineyards alongside those produced by bio-dynamic farming - a practice that emphasises the interrelationship between soil, plants and animals.
Puglia specialities
Owners of long standing Putney-based Italian restaurant Enoteca Turi, Giuseppe and Pamela Turi, are running a six-course menu to celebrate the food and wine of Puglia. From 26 January diners will enjoy regional delicacies including Grilled Oyster Mushrooms and Grilled Lamb Cutlet with Swiss Chard. The evening costs £80.