Case study: A change of tactics
A CORNISH pub has adapted to the changing pattern of trade with a kitchen revamp.
John Glosby, joint licensee of the Golden Lion, a St Austell tenancy at Stithians Lake near Truro, knew the smoking ban would mean some changes. John runs the pub with wife Wendy and daughter and son-in-law Cherie and David Reynolds.
Set in grounds on the of the lake just south of Truro in Cornwall, the Golden Lion gets very busy during the tourist season but also does a strong year-round trade. The restaurant offers a selection
of British and European dishes, with the bar offering traditional pub food, both using local ingredients where possible. Ringing in the changes
When an ad in The Publican seemed to offer help for renewing the equipment in his kitchen, John telephoned for more information.
Three months on, much of the prime cooking equipment in the pub kitchen has been upgraded. John was able to get financial support with the help of the Carbon Trust Interest Free Energy-Efficiency Loan Scheme working through Aga Foodservice Equipment.
"We already had a strong reputation for good food but we knew that we would have to make changes to combat to the smoking ban by updating our menu, " says John. "To do this we needed to update our kitchen facilities to cope with higher throughput and new menu items."
Aga Foodservice company Falcon Foodservice Equipment stepped in to help work out the best solutions for the kitchen.
This included help with the Carbon Trust loan application, as well as helping to calculate the energy savings.
By switching to energy efficient equipment, the Golden Lion expects to make considerable annual energy bill savings year after year.
John adds: "In particular we've noticed a great difference in quality with the new fryers and the new combi oven opens up a range of new menu options for us."The Carbon Trust Interest Free Loan Scheme is a Government backed initiative set up to encourage investment in energy efficient products.
For more information visit www.thecarbontrust.co.uk
