This month we talk to Nick Clover from Appetite4Recruitment asking him what trends and developments he has seen in the industry over the last few months.
So how’s business?
Great- very exciting times here at Appetite with a lot of growth and development across our four sectors.
What areas of the hospitality market do you feel are in expansion?To be honest, all of them. The retail side has seen a massive boom over the past 12 months, with companies taking new sites from struggling businesses and developing weird and wonderful concepts with a focus on fresh food from across the world. The grab and go style gives you just that or the option of sitting down and taking time out if you prefer. In my opinion you can get a deliciously healthy alternative to the fast food we know and don’t love!
The best experiences I’ve had have in the last couple of weeks have been quick lunch options in Tortilla and Leon. Not only are the menus great but the energy from the staff and the customer journey are second to none!
What operators in the market have impressed you recently?
I’m a big fan of Crazy Bear – all of their venues are great. I took a colleague for an after work cocktail to the Covent Garden branch and the service was effortless. I love the high attention to detail and the conversation flowed as the drinks were being created. The cocktails were delicious and I think their high standards show how it should be done.
That sounds great. How are your clients getting on in general?
Very well. We are fortunate to be the main supplier for the Gaucho restaurants, both back and front of house and they do things so well. Their new menu ideas are fabulous and they don’t compromise on anything. Why should they!
With hotels like Morgan’s Hotels who have The Long Bar at the Sanderson Hotel and Asia De Cuba at The St Martin’s lane Hotel and a new opening geared towards January next year there is lot going on.
Also Grill Shack is opening soon, it adds a new dimension to Richard Caring’s backed restaurant company which includes Cote and Bills. We’re fortunate to be working with progressive companies who offer genuine opportunities to great people and help them to optimise their potential. We’ve seen a big growth from Carluccio’s and Pho have just had financial backing to allow them to grow continually while bringing a bit of Vietnam
to London! I won’t give away too many trade secrets but that’s just a taster for now…
Exciting. It can’t all be good?
Obviously not, but it’s definitely positive and there are a lot of success stories whether in contract, retail, hotel or restaurants and there seems to be a well-balanced work ethic behind the growth pattern which benefits the customer, the teams and the industry as a whole. It’s all about the people. Well, the people and great food of course. Two perfectly balanced ingredients!!
So would you ever work in another industry?
They say never say never but pretty much never!!
Thanks for your time
Pleasure!
See the links below for more information on the companies mentioned in this blog.
