Business boosters: Scottish tasting menu and "speed vaping" night

Scottish tasting menu​​

Where: ​Workshop Coffee Co., Clerkenwell Road, London

Website: ​www.wildgameco.co.uk​

Twitter: ​@wildgameco

The idea:​ Eight course tasting menu featuring Highlands produce including haggis with horseradish and potato skins, Earl Grey salmon gravlax and red braised spring pigeon.

How it works: ​Named after Scottish produce hotspot Struie Road, the event costs £49 per person and includes a complimentary cocktail on arrival. After the dinner, guests are given a goodie bag featuring Balblair whisky, gin, workshop coffee and voucher for free sides at the restaurant.

Marketing: ​Advertised on social media, Wild Game Co website and events sites.

Preparation: ​Meat is butchered by Wild Game Co. founder Andy Waugh’s father’s business north of Inverness.

Pay-off: ​ Showcases Scottish produce and Wild Game Co concept, engages customers with new cuisine.

Key benefits: ​Wild Game Co. founder Andy Waugh says: “It’s a great way to try out new recipes and concepts – there is little risk for either Workshop of ourselves and we both take positive experiences from it.”

Advice: ​Experiment with flavours and new recipes.

Best outcome: ​Waugh adds: “I’ve grown up with the guys we get our produce from and I love it – it’s a pleasure to be proud of the ingredients we use. It would be great to see more people in the UK using Highland produce more often.”

Speed vaping night​​

Where: ​The Hoxton, Shoreditch

Website: ​www.thehoxton.com​

Twitter: ​@TheHoxtonLDN

The idea: ​Shake up the traditional speed-dating format by bringing single vape enthusiasts together to meet like-minded potential matches.

How it works: ​Hosted by e-cig company Blu, singles were asked to congregate at four flavour-themed vaping stations; cherry, menthol, classic tobacco and NRG. Entry is free of charge and open to guests aged 24-25.

Marketing: ​Secured partnership with lifestyle website London On The Inside who assisted in promoting the event on their website and on social media channels.

Preparation: ​Dating expert James Greece was hired to host the event.

Pay-off: ​ Blu UK chief executive Jacob Fuller said: “It was great to see popular lifestyle publications talking about the unique event and encouraging attendance.”

Key benefits: ​He added: “It was a fun way to introduce people to the product and Blu’s flavours whilst encouraging them to bond over something they discovered they have in common.”

Advice: ​Advertise locally to ensure a good audience. Make it clear what vaping is and ensure that the crowd is current smokers and vapers over the age of 18.

Best outcome: ​Fuller said: “The very best outcome would be if attendees find their perfect match at the event – here’s hope that happens. Otherwise the best outcome is that smokers and vapers come along, enjoy a relaxed evening and discover great taste and great company.”