Why many Restaurants fail

A couple of days ago I was reading a blog headed “Why Restaurants Fail” by a company in the States called Harrison Marketing, a company that has over 20 years’ experience in assisting Restaurants with their marketing. Having read the blog it became blatantly obvious that what they were talking about was just not relevant to Restaurants but all service based businesses.

The conclusion in simple: you should not spend most of your time focused on getting new customers/clients but spend most of it looking after your existing clients, engaging with them and getting them to advocate your business. Having existing customers advocating your business leads to new (good) business and customers whom in turn you turn into loyal, advocates and so the cycle continues.

Besides the traditional ways of achieving this and the use of social media the next step is to use todays’ technology to facilitate this loyal customer engagement and management and this comes in the form of a dedicated app.

What better way to keep your customers and clients up to date with your services and events, reward their loyalty and provide them with a tool to share and hence advocate your business to their friend, fans and followers than on their smartphones in one place with minimal effort? This is exactly what is accomplished by a dedicated smartphone app.

Yes I hear you say the cost of such an app is thousands of pounds but no its not because for as little as £50 per month you could have your own branded, customised dedicated app with your own online content management system to update the app in real time and all you need to do is ask.

To get started email me at nelson@realtimeseating.com or DM me on @realtimeseating.

Below is the blog that I read and would like to share with you (via www.harrisonmarketingmd.com @chefpaul9828)

“Let’s take out poor cash management, poor location, poor lease negotiations, etc. from the picture for a minute. We have worked with many restaurants helping with operations and marketing. I am always amazed how many restaurants think they can make it if they if they have good food and service. Marketing is just something that is an afterthought. I do not mean marketing in the traditional sense, but actually being a marketing-centric company as opposed to a sales-centric company. Not sure of the difference?

Marketing-centric companies understand that marketing involves every facet of their business. From the second a customer pulls into the parking lot. How they are greeted, staff training, pricing, sales, PR product development, packaging, and customer service.

We all know the old 80/20 rule. 80 % of sales usually comes from 20% of your customers. So why do some restaurants try so hard to get new customers. The reason is they have failed at satisfying their existing customers’ needs. It is so much easier to increase customer loyally (and cheaper) than having to promote your establishment for new clients. Problem is, this escapes so many business owners.

Think about if you could just increase volume from your existing clients from say, 15, to 50%. These clients are the one you want to target and keep happy. This is why having a well-trained staff that are happy to be there will serve you well.

Bottom line, train your staff, take care of every client as if they are your only client, keep them up to date on what’s happening at your establishment, create loyalty programs for them, and I guarantee, you won’t spend a ton of money trying to find new customers."

12/02/2012 permalink | 0 Comments »

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MARKETING IN A COLD CLIMATE EVENT

The Hospitality Network and Simon Lazarus PR present

A DAY OF WORKSHOPS FOR INDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS

Monday 30th January – Central London

2012 is going to be a challenging year for London. This seminar will help kick start your business at the start of this exciting and very eventful year. You will hear inspirational and practical presentations from respected restaurant personalities such as Iqbal Wahhab, founder of Roast at iconic Borough Market and Peter Harden of Harden’s Guides.

By attending you will gain:

–    New Ideas

–    The ability to win more clients

–    The chance to meet and connect with like minded industry colleagues

We will be running three very different sessions and you have the choice of attending one, two or all three. The more you attend the more you will learn!

At the end of the day (Three workshops) you will have benefitted from:

–    Returning to marketing basics

–    An update on the best in current marketing for independent restaurants

–    Practical hints and tips

–    Inspiration from key industry gurus

–    Thinking time away from your business

Prices:

One session £30 + VAT

Two sessions £50 + VAT

Three sessions £65 + VAT

We believe in the best for the industry, so £1 for each booking will be donated to the Clink Charity     www.theclinkcharity.com

MARKETING IN A COLD CLIMATE – THE PROGRAMME

Session 1 - MARKETING ESSENTIALS

9.30 – 10.00 Registration and networking

10.00-10.15 Welcome from Ashley de Safrin of the Hospitality Network

10.15-10.40 Old fashioned marketing – back to basics – Ashley de Safrin Partner THE HOSPITALITY NETWORK

10.40-11.05 Top class customer service - how this helps your business Sam Harrison, owner SAM’S BRASSERIE AND HARRISONS

11.05-11.30 Product, Perception, Profit – get the product right and improve your ratings – Peter Harden, HARDENS GUIDES

11.30-12.00 Networking

Session 2 - NEW GENERATION MARKETING

11.30-12.00 Registration and Networking

12.00-12.15 Welcome from Simon Lazarus

12.15—12.40 New approaches to marketing and PR Simon Lazarus, SIMON LAZARUS PR

10.40-11.05 The development of technology in restaurant marketing – Olivia Fitzgerald General Manager UK – LIVEBOOKINGS

13.05-13.30 i-marketing and the APPS revolution. How you can benefit Nelson Da Silva REALTIME SEATING

13.30-14.00 Networking

Session 3 - PERSPIRATION AND INSPIRATION

13.30-14.00 Registration and Networking

14.00-14.15 Welcome from Doug Talbott of the Hospitality Network

14.15-14.40 Low cost marketing – hints and tips Doug Talbott Partner THE HOSPITALITY NETWORK

14.40-15.05 E-mail marketing and growing your database Matthew Kirby FISHBOWL

15.05-15.30 Inspirational Marketing Iqbal Wahhab FOUNDER OF ROAST, BOROUGH MARKET

15.30-16.00 Networking

Prices:

One session: £25 + VAT

Two sessions: £45 + VAT

Three sessions: £60 + VAT

30/12/2011 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Own Branded Apps at what price

This post came about due to two comments put to me this week.

The first;  "We can get an app for cheaper than what you are offering" and

the second;  "I know there are quite a few restaurants and hotels that now have their own iPhone app, and many more that would like it. Most are fairly sterile, and I'm unsure about how many customers/fans actually download and use them more than once. how is yours different"

Below is the answer that I sent to both although at first glance they seem to be very different questions.

It’s easy to get people to download an App – you only have to imply that they will have access to exclusive offers & events and they will download the free app. The challenge is keeping customers engaged with your App and making full use of the App. To accomplish this you need an App that has more functionality than basically being a mobile website with possibly the ability to book a table through the App (hence the reason the app you are being offered is much cheeper than ours).

Our App encourages engagement with the "Notes" feature as the app user can now choose to log their meals or what their favourite dishes are and also gives them the ability to send feedback directly to the restaurant about their menu/service or whatever the App user chooses to log about.

Our App has the "Share" feature which encourages the app user to engage with their friends/fans/followers directly through the App and gives the App user the ability to promote your App and its contents through email or their Twitter or Facebook accounts. BUT most important is that an app needs to be "COOL" and you can’t get more “COOL” than an App that has a shake feature that the restaurant can change anytime (every minute if they wish) or an App that restaurants can upload video onto to showcase signature dishes, recipes, music events or whatever the restaurant has on video.

If that is not enough then the ability to make regular changes (daily, weekly, monthly) to the content not only on the basic app (uploading new menus, new videos, new events) but also regular changes on the shake features and ability to send push notifications to the App means restaurants can keep their App current and trendy.

Now you can't call an App that has all of that sterile

If you want to find out more about our App please email me directly or visit www.realtimeseating.com

12/08/2011 permalink | 1 Comments »

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Customer Engagement-Secret of Successful Restaurants

When websites were first introduced the techy savvy restaurants were the first to adopt this new technology and soon they began to reap the reward of having an online presence. While others lagged behind the same technology savvy restaurateurs introduced newsletters, online bookings and more recently social media. And what’s it all about ….simply its all about customer engagement.

We work with hundreds of restaurants throughout the UK and the US and what we have witnessed is that there is a common factor which contributes to making a restaurant successful…successful restaurants understand the importance of customer engagement.

All businesses need new customers/business but the successful restaurants work extremely hard at getting customers to refer the new business and more importantly they make sure that their customers never forget them (they are always on the mind through the use of newsletters, direct mail and social media) and they reward them for their loyalty.

So what is the new trend….

At the current exponential rate of growth of smartphones, it is estimated that by 2015 over 80% of the people in the UK will have a smartphone. By the end of 2010 it was sitting at 33.6%.

The ITU (February 2010) expects mobile Web access – via laptops and smart mobile devices – to overtake desktop Web within the next five years.

It is a fact that 99% of people leave home with their mobile phones (people are more likely to forget their house keys than their mobile phone) and given that most people have a mobile phone (it is safe to assume that over 90% of people have one) the new trend is for "mobile marketing" and the future will be about having your own brand smartphone app. There is only one problem....the future now is determined in months rather than years!

To have instant access to your customers is an extremely powerful tool as it can constantly be a reminder of your existence; you can inform them of current and upcoming events, reward them instantly for their loyalty or fill available tables with a late availability/last-minute offer.

So the only reason you would not start thinking of your own branded app would be the cost of getting one developed and then hosting it. That is why we have introduced an affordable way to have an app within weeks. With our Share Package you could have a cutting edge app for as little as £49 per month and a one off setup fee of £150.

Email us and we will send you a free mock-up of what your app could look like. Alternatively fill in the form below and we will contact you within 24 hrs. Don’t hesitate as smartphone technology is here to stay so get ahead of the game.

24/06/2011 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Customer Interaction has just stepped up a level

Its official your restaurant business can now leap into the modern age by taking advantage of new marketing outlets and expanding their brand image. Your customers will interact with your restaurant in a whole new, personal way reinforcing customer retention and word of mouth marketing. Who better to promote your business than your customer?

We have just launched a new model of our iPhone application with all the bells and whistles. The new application now incorporates:

• Image and Video enabled
• Custom background
• Custom Icon
• Custom "Loyalty Reward" coupon
• Customised Menu - in PDF or detail form
• Customised Featured section - tell your customers what events are coming up
• Push Notifications - send your customers a text message update
• One-Touch Contact - customers can call, email, or get directions at the push of a button
• Logger Feature - allows customers to send you their reviews
• Share Feature - allows customers to share your business with their friends
• 
  

The cost is as affordable as ever with a one off signup fee of $299 (£185) and the monthly hosting will be $99 (£61)

So get ahead of the game and fill in your details in the form below and we will call you to discuss this further with you and answer all your question or call us @ realtimeseating on 0845 862 1062 or email info@realtimeseating.com

02/06/2011 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Customised iPhone Apps for Restaurants

We at realtimeseating have partnered up with a US company ,menusgomobile, based out in California that specialise in producing customised iPhone apps (& soon Android Apps) for restaurants, night clubs and live music venues.

What we now have is the possibility for any restaurant in the UK & Europe to have their very own customised iPhone app (see examples below) that their customers can download for free from iTunes.

For under £50 per month and an initial £150 set up fee restaurants, gastropubs and night clubs can have their own branded iPhone app (and soon to be followed by the Android app). 

 The app is available in 3 different packages and all the features of each package can be found on our website www.realtimeseating.com. The cost to the restaurant is low as we have devised a subscription payment model over the 3 different packages that we offer.

As a restaurant not only would you have your own app but direct access to your customers. We build you a content management system that you can use to update your app real time and the ability to “push notifications” to your customers such as events, offers, new items on your menu etc. The app enables your customers to communicate, book and engage with you and to share your events, menu, comments with their friends via their facebook & twitter accounts.

With approximately 25% of all mobile phones now smart phones and the growth of smart phones exponential it’s just a matter of time before 75% of restaurant customers will have a smart phone.

So get ahead of the game and fill in your details in the form below and we will call you to discuss this further with you and answer all your question or call us @ realtimeseating on 0845 862 1062 or email info@realtimeseating.com

17/03/2011 permalink | 1 Comments »

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Should Restaurants be doing more to inform us

It began with a tweet. We asked the following question; what do people expected from restaurants during 2011? We had numerous similar responses from people along the lines:

•    better value (good quality food better priced),

•    higher level of service (better service like we get abroad – which really depends where you are “abroad”)

•    new cuisine? (whatever that meant)

•    sustainable food source (e.g. fish such as dab)

•    Offers & more offers

 

and then this tweet from Issi Gane (@issiwissy)

 @realtimeseating clear labelling of what is suitable for people with allergies - e.g. 'contains gluten'

 

The issue – clear labelling on menus

 

Now it turns out that Issi has Coeliac Disease meaning that she can't eat any gluten. This really impacts on where Issi eats out.

We thought this was a good & valid point to discuss and opened up the issue to all our followers on twitter.

Like most subjects the easy solution is to say that all restaurants should clearly label all their dishes but now imagine how large a menu would become if we did this for gluten, wheat, dairy intolerants and then caffeine and so on. So it was unsurprising that one of the very first responses was from a restaurant rubbishing the idea. Fair enough it would make their menu a nightmare but the reality of the situation is that like Issi there is a lot of people (and I mean a lot including my wife & daughter) who suffer from a gluten, wheat, dairy allergy and although in my wife’s case it’s not life threatening if she does eat something that she shouldn’t she is violently ill which in anyone’s book is not a great eating out experience.

 

So what could be the solution?

 

•    A number of people recommended training of FOH (Front Of House) staff is the solution, but the nature of this business is that there is a high turnaround of FOH staff (yes we agree that there are restaurants that have a low if not a zero turnaround of FOH staff but they are not the majority).

•    The Customer asking FOH staff who if unsure would communicate with Chef to get guidance (at the peak of service can you see this “communication” taking place?)

•    Labelling menu for gluten, wheat & dairy (being the ones most people mentioned)

So clearly not one solution but the mere fact that people, restaurants, chefs and FOH staff all contributed to this discussion the majority wants to address the issue and find a workable solution.

 

But this discussion lasted about an hour on twitter so by no means did we explore all the possibilities, so my question to you is what would you like to see happen if you are a sufferer or a chef or restaurateur?

 

P.S One thing that everyone was unanimous about was that we don’t want government stepping in and start dedicating what we should be doing …. Please no

 

 

02/02/2011 permalink | 0 Comments »

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The first & only last-minute texting & booking system for Restaurants in the UK

It’s amazing how many times people say to us what a simple idea this is and why hasn’t someone done it before? The answer is simply I have no idea.

The concept is simple:

-    Text potential diners that have opted in to receive texts from your restaurant with a last-minute offer and complete the booking using text messaging for those diners that choose to take up the offer

The execution is a bit more complicated but with a state of the art database & texting platform and years of experience in structuring text messages, that evoke a high level of response, we are able to provide our clients with bookings when they are most needed. Be it on a quieter trading day or the early bird slot (before 7:30pm) or late night slot (9:30pm slot).

This is where the journey starts with our clients – this system quickly evolves into a direct communication tool with your loyal & regular customers.

Once our clients' customers are familiar with our system our text messages morph into messages that evoke engagement from customers. This assists us in building a profile for each customer with such information as who has children, who works late, who is on holiday and where, who plays badminton and what night they do so, and so on and on…..

The next stage is to engage with customers and receive feedback on what it is our clients do well & what they could do better? Further reinforcing the relationship between restaurant and regular diner until eventually we reach a point in the journey where the customer becomes the restaurants greatest evangelist (forwarding our texts to friends & texts with video clips of our client’s restaurant that become viral within this group of friends)

So it is unsurprising that our system has become a priority tool for our restaurant clients to engage directly with their customers.

Other Services provided by Realtimeseating:

Social Media Management System: Alongside our last-minute texting & booking system realtimeseating provides a Social Media management system where we help our clients develop, implement and manage a social networking strategy so as to gain the maximum benefit from Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, foursquare & LinkedIn. .

If you would like to discuss how we can help please call Nelson directly on 07544 573872 or visit www.realtimeseating.com

22/01/2011 permalink | 0 Comments »

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El Peyote in Kingston

If you are looking for a lively place to eat out in Kignston and want something different then how about some Mexican and Mediterranean fusion food?

El Peyote in Kingston upon Thames is the place to be but what makes this place special is the service & atmosphere. This is an exciting, vibrate place run by what I call the new breed of Restaurateur - young food savvy, service orientated individual with tons of marketing prowess.

So if you want to access the latest last minute offer then sign up below 

... and I will see you at the Mex border just on the shores of the Med

05/01/2011 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Should Restaurants bother with twitter

This question came about while I was talking to one of our clients last week. We were meeting to discuss the realtimeseating late availability texting service we provide to them and during the course of the conversation I happened to mention twitter, at which point my client said he could not be bothered with it?

 

When I asked him why he thought this, he simply said that twitter was just a fad and of no value to any business. I then tried to explain to him that twitter is about engaging and building up relationships with your customers and potential customers, other restaurants and restaurateurs, foodies, local people and local area “advocates”, raising your profile and building a network of people interested in what you do and monitoring what is being said about your restaurant. (a perfect example below)

“@realtimeseating: White Brasserie (Kings Arms) in #Teddington . Last night good food and ambience but deplorable service.

His argument was that twitter was a waste of time and time cost money.

Having worked with this particular client for two months and knowing that to him the proof is in the pudding, I simply said that I was going to tweet that afternoon asking local people and local area “advocates” what their favourite restaurant was in the area (in this case Teddington) and would let him know what the result was.

He could not believe when I called him within 24 hours with the following results:

13 replies –all local people

12 different restaurants (his restaurant was named twice)

A total of 3,067 followers between the people that replied (a potential 3,000 fold exposure of his restaurant and 11 other restaurants mentioned)

 

So his setting up his twitter account as I write this …..

 

[Just this morning we received a reply suggesting a restaurant and the person has 100 followers so the exposure for that restaurant has just increased potentially 100 fold]

 

For those that are interested, below is the list tweeted to us of people's (peeps) local favourite restaurant in Teddington:

 

1.    Retro

2.    Scarpetta

3.    Prem

4.    Simply Thai

5.    Red Peppers

6.    Bloated Mallard

7.    The Wharf

8.    Tide End Cottage Pub

9.    Al Borgo

10.    White Brasserie

11.    Shambles

12.    Diners Delight

 

14/12/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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NATIONAL CURRY WEEK 2010

Celebrate 200 Years of Indian Restaurants in the U.K. with National Curry Week 2010

21-27 November 2010

National Curry Week was started in 1998 to promote the cuisine and to raise funds for charities concentrating on hunger, malnourishment and poverty. During the week, curry lovers can get out and visit their local curry houses, some of which will be staging special events and fun and culture with special dinners, record breaking attempts, raffles, auctions and more, all in aid of contributing to the alleviation of poverty and suffering in South Asia and worldwide.

Moidul's Rawalpindi in Twickenham and Crystal Palace Tandoori are just 2 of the many thousands of Indian Restaurants through out the UK participating during National Curry Week.

So if you would like to access these and many more and receive up to 50% off not just for this week but everytime these restaurants have late availability then sign up here realtimeseating

However if you wish to remain home and celebrate with your own curry then below is the best curry recipe we could find

Method

Heat the oil in a heavy saucepan and add the whole spices (spilt open the black cardamom and use only the seeds). As soon as the spices start to darken and crackle (this can take anything from a few seconds to a minute, depending in the temperature of the oil), add the onions.

Cook on a high heat, stirring from time to time until the onions start to soften. Lower the heat and cook for 10-12 minutes until they have completely softened. Add the ginger, garlic and chillies and stir for another minute or so.

Add the turmeric and tomato puree, mix well and take off the heat. Put the mixture in an upright blender with just enough cold water to cover it and blend to a fine puree

23/11/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Live Jazz @ The Tryst

The Tryst Restaurant & Bar in Thames Ditton is once again holding their popular Dine & Jazz evening and would like to invite you to join them on Thursday 25 November 2010.

 The jazz musicians performing on the evening will be Adam Hope & Mariska Barnett and we will be serving a three course meal for £25 per person including tea or coffee.

 If you register on the form below before the 20th November you will receive a sms confirmation code that will entitle you to a complimentary bottle of House Red or White Wine per couple to accompany your meal.

We request that you join us at 7:30pm for an 8:00pm start.  This is always a well attended evening and places are limited so sign up now.

All text you receive from us are free

11/11/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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What we do FAQs

FAQs

Q. What is the benefit of your system in cash terms?

One of our clients, a small 40 cover restaurant, after paying us our booking fee has taken just under £2,700 in takings over and above their usual takings over the last 3 months using our system

Q. Do you work with all types of restaurants?

Yes we do – however, we don’t work with all the restaurants in a geographical area. We aim to work with only a handful of restaurants in an area rather than every single restaurant that wants our system.

Q. What national chains use you?

None and we strongly believe in Local support for independent restaurants

Q. I already use other online booking services I don’t want another one?

We are not an online booking system that offers online discounts and booking service. We are a texting service that sends invitations to people who have SPECIFICALLY said they want to receive text offers/rewards when their favourite restaurant has availability - note it is their favourite restaurant and not every restaurant on our system

Q. How many people ask to stop receiving your texts?

A small number and the reason being that people have specifically opted in to receive texts from their favourite restaurant and will probably only receive one text a month – 2 at the most. [Some have not received a text for over a month]. A further reason that our “opt out” is extremely low is because people tell us how often they want to receive texts simply by engaging with us through our text messages.

Q. Do you just provide the booking service?

No, for a majority of our clients we also provide a marketing service – e.g. if they have a special event coming up or re-launching a website etc we will do a text out to their database [Again this is managed so not to spam people]

Q. The texting database you build up with the restaurant, who does it belong to?

The data is the restaurant’s customers so it belongs to the restaurant

Q. How big is your current Database? Q. How many people have signed up to your database?

A meaningless number as the people who will receive offers/rewards from your restaurant need to have “opted in” to receive texts from YOU. If they haven’t they won’t receive a text from you. {By the way the number is 10 881 but it is insignificant because none have signed up to receive texts from YOU}

Q. What are the costs? Q. How long are your agreements?

No costs at all until we physically have someone sitting in a seat in your restaurant – then it will cost you £2 per cover There are no agreements or set up fees, so if you choose to stop using us, you just do.

Q. I don’t associate my restaurant with other restaurant in the UK or services and I don’t what to appear on your website, is this possible?

Yes it is – we are a white label service and a high percentage of our clients are not listed on our website (they all have their reasons). They all call their text clubs by various different names.

Q. What really makes you different?

We change people’s minds – we target a person who has no plan to eat out that evening and send them a text and by receiving our timely text with a special reward from their favourite restaurant triggers a change of mind.

02/11/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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What we do.....

What we do……is provide a last minute or late availability texting service for restaurants

We are continually asked by prospective clients what exactly it is we do and how they can benefit from what we do. To us it is very simple…we are different …but as we are perceived as providing the same service as others in this market it takes a bit of understanding to appreciate why we are different.

We have not arrived on the scene to replace what is currently out there or currently been used by restaurants. Actually, we encourage clients to continue using these services. We don't profess to being able to fill restaurants …we don’t but what we do is provide a proactive service. “Proactive” is what makes us different. Let me explain:

Currently as a diner if I have made the decision to eat out I may then base my decision of where I am going on what is on offers through all the services that are out there (of which there are many and many more come onboard each month). This is a passive service because these services only come in to play once I, the diner have made the decision to go out. On the other hand, our service targets people last minute, most of them have no plans or thought of going out and we change their minds – proactive service.

So what do we do…… Our main aim is to get bookings for our clients when our clients need bookings. This tends to be either days when they are quieter than usual or hours before or after peak times. For most of our clients we are actually getting them bookings before 7:30pm or in some cases after 9:30pm.

When we started this business the majority of restaurateurs we approached thought that our service was mainly aimed at those restaurants that needed help in getting covers in on days when they had very few bookings. However, those same restaurateurs now understand the power of the service to fill in void times or slow times before the traditional peak period (7:30pm -9:30pm) or to fill tables previously booked but cancelled last minute or bookings that do not show.

Our clients now benefit from having an effective yield management tool that assist resaaurants to operate at optimal capacity. What this means is simply that at any time the restaurant has a certain capacity and hence a cost – number of kitchen staff, front of house staff and rent, utilities etc. and for that restaurant to make a profit they need to be running close to full capacity based on the staffing levels (or optimal capacity as we call it @realtimeseating). There are however times in a trading week when that is not the case (slow days, early or late times or empty tables at peak times). If as a restaurant you can fill just one more table than you currently fill then you are contributing to the profitability of that restaurant. The costs are fixed- staff is present, rent and rates are always present, so one cover more than the norm contributes to reaching optimal capacity which leads to more profit.

Now I could end here and say that the benefit to our clients is ….getting restaurants more bookings when the restaurant wants them (Note: the restaurant is in control not the diners)…. but that is not all.

As a texting service a high percentage of the people (50-60%) we text will engage with us (a much higher rate then any other medium). Our text messages are structured as invitations and invites people to engage with us so people will tell us why they can’t make it, or tell us what would make them change their plans. Our booking confirmation texts encourages feedback of their dining experience and to tell us what was good but more importantly what could have been better about their dining experience. However, the high rate of engagement is only possible because we have operators reading and replying to every text (we are not an automated texting service).

To conclude two exceptional reasons to talk to us

1.    Increase your number of covers when you want to

2.    Deeper insight and knowledge of your customers and build more loyal relationshipwith them.

So contact us @realtimeseating.com or email info@realtimeseating.com or Text us on 0778 620 2441 and we can answer any questions you may have

27/10/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Indian Zing, London W6

Sometimes, at short notice, we have spare tables at Indian Zing because our customers can’t make it for one reason or another. We’ve always wanted to let our other customers know about any spare tables we have at short notice – and reward them with exclusive offers for their loyalty if they are able to join us. Now we can!

We have teamed up with our friends realtimeseating and can now offer this free texting service and we can text you when we have unexpected availability @ short notice – with a special thank you if you decide to take up the offer of joining us on these occasions.

If you would like to sign up all we’ll need your name, mobile number and full postcode.

We respect the privacy of our customers. You will never be charged for receiving texts from us. Just reply STOP if you no longer wish to receive our texts, and you won’t.

12/10/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Dark Mornings & Dark Afternoons means....

...and we all know what that means? The clocks have gone back, the day gets shorter and the cold bitter winter moves in (how much snow are we getting this year?).

What better way is there to weather the “storm” but with a glass of something nice and a good meal at your favourite restaurant. Seated at a nice table in familiar surroundings is an excellent way to unwind and watch the winter go by.

Well if you're still feeling the pinch of the recession but still want to enjoy a meal and a drink at your local restaurant then why not head over to realtimeseating.com and sign up to receive free text offers of up to 50% off at restaurants near you.

Get out there and enjoy the winter ... why not!!! …spring will be here before you know it!

Click here to find out more about how you and your party can eat out for up to 50% off at restaurants near you.

28/09/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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FIGHT HUNGER - EAT OUT!

This year’s Action Against Hunger FIGHT HUNGER EAT OUT CAMPAIGN brings a host of fundraising events and is supported by top chefs including Raymond Blanc, Antonio Carluccio, Giorgio Locatelli and Rick Stein.

The campaign, now in its 12th year and takes place between 1st September and 31st October.  

The focus behind FIGHT HUNGER EAT OUT is to increase awareness of child hunger and raise funds to help malnourished children and their families worldwide.  Establishments participating in the campaign raise money by asking their customers to donate a small amount of money with their bill or to purchase a certain dish from which a donation is made. For the first time additional funds will be raised for Action Against Hunger when customers buy Taittinger Champagne in participating outlets.

Champagne Taittinger has supported a number of fundraising events with Action Against Hunger over the years, and this year has increased this by becoming a corporate supporter.  As part of the charity’s FIGHT HUNGER EAT OUT campaign 2010,  Champagne Taittinger has pledged to donate 50p for every glass and £2 for every bottle of its Champagne sold  in participating restaurants, bars or hotels.

Over 500 restaurants are getting involved with the campaign, including: The River Café, Locanda Locatelli, Theo Randall, Zuma, The Cinnamon Club, Benares, Launceston Place, St John, Le Gavroche, Hawksmoor, Coq d’Argent, Roka, The Greenhouse, Konstam, The Modern Pantry, Café Spice Namaste and Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons to nage a few.

To date, the combined efforts of food lovers across the United Kingdom have raised £1.5 million towards Action Against Hunger’s work in over 40 countries worldwide.

Enjoy eating out for up to 50% off with www.realtimeseating.com  - Register now! 

02/09/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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FESTIVAL BRAZIL

As a Brazilian I often come across stereotypical comments about my country; Football, Samba, Beautiful Women and Carnival are the words most associated with Brazil. However from time to time Brazilians take over a little part of the world and show their complexity, creativity and passion as individuals and an emerging country.

I see myself standing in the middle of a crowd at the Royal Festival Hall during Festival Brazil; counting my steps and looking attentively to the instructor on stage while she tries to teach ,a group of enthusiasts, the first steps into a Samba routine. 5 minutes into my shameful attempt at samba dance and I am sweating, as if I was under Rio`s 40 degrees; I stop to take a breath and can`t help but notice that there are over 100 people uncontrollably shaking their bodies to the intoxicating rhythm of the live performance of Paraiso School of Samba. I feel my eyes filling up with water and my heart with pride, but I am not quite sure if the tears are a mix of emotion or just the pain on my tights. No wonder "cariocas" have an amazing body - What a work out!

And if like me a cultural feast is not complete without food, London has many wonderful authentic Brazilian restaurants, so enjoy a little bit of Brazil in London and for information and promotion in some of the best Brazilian restaurants sing up now at realtimeseating.com 

24/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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What is Otarian?

Otarian, a new boutique fast-casual restaurant

chain, is set to have a big impact on the influential London food scene with

the opening of its first location in the United Kingdom this summer. Built

on a sustainable platform and based on the principles of vegetarianism,

Otarian will be the first global chain to carbon footprint all of its menu.

Otarian provides consumers with a simple and delicious way to do their bit

for the planet. For example by swapping your usual meat based lunch for an

Otarian Carbon saving combo meal you could save 2.3kg of carbon, that's

equivalent to the CO2e emissions of 4 central London black cab journeys.

While if every meat eating Londoner swapped their usual lunch for an Otarian

Carbon Saving Combo once a week for a year 0.86 Mt CO2e would be saved -

that's equivalent to turning off the power at the Houses of Parliament for

over 70 years.

According to Otarian founder Radhika Oswal, the Otarian concept combines a

strong commitment to sustainability with a passion for superb cuisine,

resulting in a mouth-watering dining experience that is also good for the

planet. The business has been built on the three key pillars of

sustainability: Environmental, social, and economical.

Otarian also represents a significant advancement in sustainable business

practices. All decisions about Otarian's food and operations are made with

sustainability at the forefront. Some of these include:

* Dishes that yield lower carbon foot prints than comparable meat-based

dishes

* No air freight policy - Ingredients that would typically be air freighted,

are instead transported by road. Dishes are reformulated to exclude these

ingredients if a reliable supply is unavailable without using air transport

* 98% of restaurant waste composted or recycled

* All packaging compostable, recyclable or reusable

* Sustainable design and architecture

Otarian will open the doors of its first restaurants in London at Wardour

Street, Soho and Shaftesbury Avenue, Covent Garden on August 20th, and

Regent Street later in the year. Restaurant hours will be 11 am -10 pm,

prices range from £3.95 - £6.25 for a main dish. For more information visit

www.Otarian.com

24/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Dinner on the London Eye

For the second year running Ramsay will be cooking in London's most

sought-after pop-up restaurant where one capsule on the London Eye will be

transformed into the capital's most exclusive restaurant, completing one

rotation for each course. Ten guests will have the London Eye to themselves

to enjoy dinner 135m above the River Thames with what's been described as

the UK's most exclusive chef's table.

London Evening Standard restaurant critic and Festival Founder Fay Maschler

said "The London Restaurant Festival 2010 is so proud to be working with

Gordon Ramsay once again. This night means such a huge amount to the

festival but also to our official LRF charity StreetSmart."

The StreetSmart charity works with London's homeless to provide food,

clothes and shelter and is well known for working with London's restaurant

industry to raise money.

The winning bidder and their nine guests will have dinner cooked for them by

Gordon Ramsay and will get then chance to meet the chef. There will also be

a champagne reception which will be hosted at the brand new Park Plaza

Westminster Bridge Hotel. A varied wine selection which has been designed to

complement each menu will also be served

Last year an anonymous bidder paid an impressive £23,000.00 for the experience, so if you have some spare cash and would like to have dinner in the sky, that is your chance.

On the other hand, if like me your budget is tight you can still enjoy fabulous dinner experiences at your favourite local restaurant with up to 50% off. Now, that is a deal not to be missed! Just sign up @ realtimeseating.com

The 2010 London Restaurant Festival (4-18 October) http://www.visitlondon.com/londonrestaurantfestival/

in partnership with American Express

19/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Happy Hour

Have you had one of those days when from the moment you wake up everything goes wrong?

Well that is exactly what happened to me last week.

As I made my way to an interview with Sally James - Business Affairs at Brooklands Radio; I left home at 11:30 and missed the train at Clapham Junction by 1min, one of those scenarios where the train is still at the platform but doors don`t open.

Following that the next train was delayed by 20mins.

By the time I got to Weybridge it was already 12:45pm (my interview started at 1pm)

I had never been to Weybridge before so I looked for a cab.No cabs anywhere. Asked for directions the guy said "short walk", it turned out to be a 15min walk, not good if you are already late worst if you are in very high heels.

On the way to the radio station I was caught by a downpour  without an umbrella.

Got to Weybridge centre, soaking wet, in a foul mood, aching feet and no one knew where the radio was.

I finally hailed a cab, just to realise that I had no money. "Can we stop at a cash machine?"

Tried to get money out of the cash machine, cash machine out of order. My patience was wearing thin, I was ready to sit down and cry, but instead I apologised to cab driver and asked for directions; only to learn that I was in front of the building

As soon as I got in, it was time to go on air.

As I sat down in front of the mic., partially out of breath all I could think was I am dripping wet!

What a day! Dare I listen to the interview?

Moral: We all have one of those days, thank God for the invention of happy hour. sign up at realtimeseating.com  and you can have even happier hour with up to 50% off discount.

Lucy (the soaking wet boss!)

17/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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On the spotlight

As soon as the Press Release for Real Time Seating was launched, we were inundated by local and national press wanting to know more about us.

Apart from the fact that the sole purpose of PR is to bring attention to your business, I was not quite prepared to the whole 15 minutes of fame experience, but again I am exaggerating the fame bit.

The PR kicked off with a series of photo shoots at the fabulous Twickenham restaurant Arthur`s on the Green. From there we moved on to radio interview. As a fist timer on the radio I felt a bit like a rabbit caught up on the headlights, but according to the experts I did a great job, however as a self confessed perfectionist I think I did a reasonable job and learned that laughing on air is not not such a good idea (it sounds horrible). You can listen to the interview athttp://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0092ysn/Surrey_Breakfast_with_Nick_Wallis_05_08_2010/(The interview is at the very end after the song "Hello")

As I get to grips with my new found fame, I am now preparing for a radio comeback, this time at Brooklands Radio (Friday 13/08/10 - time TBC). I must admit that I find the attention quite amusing and am looking forward to what is next; TV here I come. she says…

To find out more, sign up at realtimeseating.com and follow us on Twitter.

Until Next time...

Lucy

10/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Village life in London – yes, we’re in Chiswick

Funny place, Chiswick. Famous for its villagey atmosphere, it’s also a town but, only 25 minutes by tube from Piccadilly Circus, it’s very much in London. Just don’t ever describe it as a suburb. We are Londoners who live in Chiswick.

With numerous independent shops – a butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, grocer, several delicatessens, a baker, chocolatier, an ice cream shop and numerous one-off cafés – Chiswick is on the map as one of the capital’s best foodie shopping areas.

Yes, Chiswickians love to cook. We buy wallet-scorchingly expensive olive oils. Smoked mackerel, fresh from the smokery not vacuum-packed in a factory, turns into paté – when we’re not eating oysters. We’re the first to have Vacherin Mont D’Or on our cheeseboards in winter and the last to gorge on Bombay Alphonso mangoes as spring becomes summer. In the annual marmalade-making competition, the men are the most competitive – using unnecessarily extravagant ingredients to impress the celebrity judges.

But we’re not slaves to the kitchen. People who cook in Chiswick also eat out in Chiswick. A lot. From the Michelin-starred La Trompette to the greasy spoon by day, Thai by night, café (of which we have two), supper is not a meal but a hobby.

And we pursue our hobby locally – and I don’t mean in Chiswick. People who live in central Chiswick patronise restaurants near the High Road. Bedford Park residents stroll to the Duke of Sussex for a taste of Spain and Le Vacherin for Gallic gastronomy. Annie’s and Reef are first choice in Strand on the Green or around Chiswick House. Pissarro’s draws crowds from homes on the river. Stamford Brookers go to The Brook. Venturing beyond your very local restaurant does happen, of course, with many braving the long hard journey over the Hammersmith border to the sophisticated but unpretentious Indian Zing.

Which Chiswick eatery gets your vote? Nominate your favourite at www. realtimeseating.com  – and you could soon receive a special invitation to take up your hobby (or should that be habit?).

04/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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The opportunity of a lifetime

Well maybe I am exaggerating for effect but for me Real Time Seating is an opportunity of a lifetime. How many people can say they do what they love, they work with great people and they eat out most of the time in some of the best local restaurants in London.

...and on the note of working with great people I would like to introduce you all and give a big welcome to Joanna Biddolph our first fabulous franchisee. Jo will be looking after the areas of Acton, Brentford, Brook Green, Chiswick, Ealing, Fulham, Hammersmith, Olympia, Sheperds Bush & West Kensington.

So if you live, work and love eating out in these areas, just sign up @realtimeseating.com and soon you will be receiving  our texts with up to 50% discount to some fantastic local restaurants. (..and don`t  forget to tell us what your favourite eating spots are in London).

If  like Jo you would be interested in finding out about our franchise opportunity then please go to realtimeseating.com, fill in your contact details and we will shortly be in touch with you.

22/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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It's here- Croydon Summer Festival

21/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Restaurant discount texts means savings

We all have one or two or even more favourite local restaurant and we tend to frequent them when we can. In today’s economic climate we tend to go when we can afford to, which is just the way it is. We have enjoyed the great years of little thought to what we spend as it was quite easy to just “charge it to my card”. But there is hope….what if you could enjoy your favourite restaurant as often as you did or in some cases more than before? No? Oh YES you can!

I can tell you it is definitely a possibility because with realtimeseating you can get up to 50% discount at your favourite restaurant. Now you don’t have to be a mathematician to work out that if you are getting 50% off then you can go twice and still spend about the same money that you would have……so to me it makes perfect sense – I can continue to enjoy the favourite things in life (like a great meal at my local restaurant) and be financial frugal – win win in any language.

The process is simple – just 3 steps –

Step 1 – go to www.realtimeseating.com

Step 2 – sign up and choose your favourite local restaurant (if it is not on the list then tell us)

Step 3 – wait to receive your restaurant discount texts when your local restaurant has availability

That is it …… so enjoy your winter…actually enjoy your year … and we will see you at your local!

13/07/2010 permalink | 1 Comments »

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Jazz at Hampton Court

For those who enjoy Jazz as much as I do, here is something worth attending. I went last year and it was fabulous. Great surroundings (Hampton Court Palace is beautiful, even more so in the summer with flowers in full bloom), great atmosphere at the shows but above all great jazz – It’s the Hampton Court Beer and Jazz festival from the 27th – 30th August.

Acts include The James Taylor Quartet, Preservation Hall Jazz Band from New Orleans, Tony Hadley, New Heavies, Incognito & the Deep Mo. Visit www.hamptoncourtbeerandjazz.com for more details.

….and while you are waiting for this great event why not visit The Naked Turtle the Home of the famous Jazz singing waitresses in East Sheen, SW14, www.naked-turtle.com ……and if you want to enjoy this great restaurant and get up to 50% discount on your food bill then sign up @ realtimeseating the Home of the restaurant discount texts.

12/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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It is NOT just a dining table...

It is Albert`s Table! albertstable.co.uk

The charming and yet unassuming exterior conceals one of the best restaurants in Croydon. The tasteful decor transports you from the hustle and bustle of the city centre to an amazing relaxed atmosphere, were you are often greeted by the lovely Jane Rawlings co-owner and restaurant manager.

In the kitchen the skilful hands of Joby Wells, head chef and co-owner, are always busy preparing to perfection an array of exquisite dishes. Albert`s Table menus changes frequently to make the most of the best, seasonal produce available, however no matter what you choose the food never fails to impress. Impressive is also the varied choice of wines.

Albert`s Table is a must for all food lovers and you can now enjoy it with discounts of up to 50% off, just register at www.realtimeseating.com

12/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Interest Rates rise and more people won’t own a home!

Is it true? Are we heading for a second credit crunch? Are interest rates going to spiral out of control? Are Britons likely to be forced to rent in future as a shortage of housing supply pushes home ownership out of many people's reach? Well quite frankly I have stopped caring because no matter the state of the economy we still need to eat…and enjoy ourselves! Summer has arrived and it feels good. It is now time to put all of these concerns behind us and get on with enjoying the finer things in life!

A great way of enjoying this new found optimism is to eat out at a nice restaurant – and only pay 50% of the food bill. Restaurant discounts enable you - and whoever you bring with you - to enjoy the whole dining out experience for a fraction of the cost.

So now that we’re at that time of year were everyone dashes to sit outside why not be one of them – and secretly laugh inwardly at the people at the next table who are paying full price..

It’s been a horrible few years and the supermarkets have helped us through with their ‘dining experience at home’ deals. Now let’s move ourselves into a full economic recovery and enjoy the dining experience in a restaurant……. for 50% off the food bill!

To find out more about which restaurants in your local area (and other areas you wish to dine in) are offering discounts of up to 50%, head on over to www. realtimeseating.com and sign up.

Eat out in style this very evening!

06/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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What links Max Clifford, OJ Simpson & John Lennon to Cobham in Surrey?

I have lived in Surrey for over 10 years and have been to Cobham a number of times, as I live down the road and would not be surprised to hear about the occasional Chelsea Football player being spotted in and about Cobham high street. Nor would it surprise me to hear about Max Clifford being seen on the high street (after all he does live nearby) but John Lennon? OJ Simpson? Frank Sinatra?

Well I don’t know if they actually did amble down the high street but what they did do is eat at the fantastic local restaurant at the bottom of the high street…La Capanna, So the answer of how theses famous names are linked to Cobham …simple… the link is La Capanna (and of course Max Clifford ).

If you haven’t been to La Capanna you are missing out on a fantastic dining experience.

It’s a spacious rustic restaurant, with exposed beams and high ceilings and a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The staff provides an exceptional service and the food, predominantly Italian, gorgeous.

La Capanna is worth a visit (or 2, 3, …more) any time of the year but if you take advantage of the current summer sunshine you can sit outside in the covered Italian Garden overlooking the River Mole, a quiet and magical place on a warm Summer’s day or evening. You could almost be on a terrace of a Villa in the Chianti region, in Italy.

What makes all of this even more attractive (if you really need it to be more attractive) is that now you could enjoy this Cobham delight and get up to 50% discount off your food bill when they have availability. All you need to do is sign up at realtimeseating.com and soon you could be sipping a Martini in the garden in Chianti ….sorry…Cobham.

04/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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How to beat the budget

They are calling it an emergency budget and I don’t blame them the country’s finance is in a mess and needs to be tackled ASAP but what does this really mean to me? I know that later today and tomorrow there will be all kinds of commentary on TV, articles in the newspaper and a helpful little guide will be put through my letter box which all helps to explain to me what effect this will have on my personal finance.

I must now be open and confess that I will still struggle to see what it will do TO me (as I don’t believe it will do anything FOR me) but what I can say is that “disposable income” is something that I use to have and is now a definite have not. So what is a girl to do? Do I stop buying my little treats, a pair of shoes, possibly a fantastically gorgeous bag or the beautiful set of bath towels at John Lewis, all the little things that motivate me to get up and go to work? Probably yes as the country tightens it’s belt so to must I tighten mine (and it will be last seasons belt – to add to my misery) but I did find a way of keeping something fantastic going – that is the girls night out – Oh yes we won’t be stopping that!

With things the way they are we will probably have to meet more often so that we can become more of an emergency budget support group. Now for us as a group we like to meet over a great meal and a bottle of good wine at our favourite hotspot (I just love the word hotspot but actually it’s just our favourite local restaurant). How I hear you say if you are tightening up on your finance can you afford to meet up and eat out more now than you did before? Answer; simple this is all about more is less – you see we can get up to 50% off from our local restaurant which means we can go more often and still spend the same as we have in the past.

Clever really! So now you can too at www.realtimeseating.com just sign up and enjoy the fact that you will still be actively socialising and being prudent! Now that is what I call ingenuity!!

22/06/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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All things Football

I do love football I must admit, but I think the game has lost a bit of its magic and dare I say passion. The players are treated like divas with absolute obscene salaries and multi million pound merchandising deals. And talking about merchandising; everywhere I look companies are suffocating us with related and not so related football stuff; somehow capitalising on the beautiful game and making it a money spinner.

But above all what I find it even more amusing, and sad ,in a way, is the silent lack of support and trust in our own team. Everywhere I go I see the "Go on England" flags, banners and t-shirts, but look a little closer and you can find the same flags ,banners and T-shirts with ITALIA and BRASIL (correctly spelled in their native languages, must I add) also on sale. Are we meant to be politically correct even in football, can`t we be a little selfish and for once support our team unconditionally, win it or loose it?

However before this becomes a heated debate of right and wrong I must admit that when the whistle blows on Saturday, regardless of what T-shirts are being sold on the shops, I will be with friends glued in front of the telly at my local restaurant, because I support England and my local community unconditionally. So if like me you are a fan of all things football sign up now for www.realtimeseating.com, get up to 50% off your local restaurant and support our team. GO ON ENGLAND!

08/06/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Mamma Mia

I love all things Italian and am always on the look out for that authentic piece of Italy in London. My search starts in my own backyard and I don`t have to go much further before I come across "Mamma Mia" the most charming Italian Restaurant in Purley. The owner Antonio is always there to greet you; the waiting staff are a breath of fresh air, very attentive and full of personality and the food….Mamma Mia!!!! The best thing about this little gem is that they don`t keep their secrets to themselves, Antonio also offers cooking classes, where you find yourself immersed in the Italian culinary culture.

So, after many disappointments and a load of frozen pizza and pasta I find myself finally becoming fluent in Italian in my own little piece of Italy right in the middle of Purley. But since I am not selfish; you can now enjoy Mamma Mia with up to 50% discount - just sign up for  www.realtimeseating.com

Chi Mangia italiano. . . Mangia bene.

26/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Sex and the City

26/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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23 Spices for a South Indian Speciality

As a Thames Ditton resident I have seen a special place evolve from what used to be a Pub & Inn on the corner of Portsmouth Road & Thorkhill road namely the Raintree Restaurant & Bar with B&B.  

A contemporary designed restaurant serving incredible South Indian cuisine with exceptional service to match. This place is well worth a visit and the journey if you are not local (you could always spend the night if you so wish).  You have your traditional curry and tandoori and of course the 23 spiced South Indian dish which I will not attempt to pronounce and with all those spices dancing around my mouth I probably couldn’t string two words together ……….so I will just use one word WOW!

Now you can enjoy all this with discounts up to 50% off your food bill by signing up at realtimeseating.com the home of restaurant discount texts

24/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Tryst: A meeting of two lovers

In my mind the idea of a rendezvous with a lover is a picture of warmth, intimate surroundings in a picturesque location. So for those food lovers seeking a rendezvous in an intimate restaurant set in a picturesque location were you will receive a warm welcome, then you have to visit the Tryst in Thames Ditton.

Dining at this gem nestled between the two villages of Thames Ditton & Esher can now be enjoyed at up to 50% off when the restaurant has availability by signing up at realtimeseating.com


20/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Burrito + Moussaka gives you de fusion Mexiterranean

If you, like me were wondering what is Mexiterranean it is very simply explained by Ercan your host at the restaurant El Peyote in Kingston upon Thames; it is simply a fusion of the very best of Mexican and Mediterranean cooking.

Now that sounds interesting! - but what makes this place special is the service & atmosphere. This is an exciting place run by what I call the new breed of Restaurateur - young food savvy, service orientated individual with tons of marketing prowess.

So if you want to access the latest last minute offer then sign up below 

... and I will see you at the Mex border just on the shores of the Med

17/05/2010 permalink | 1 Comments »

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Sweet Indulgence

Here I am sitting in front of the computer with a nice glass of a collector`s French white and a tummy full of indulgent food thanks to my wonderful job.

In the morning breakfast at Arthurs on the Green - Twickenham. A family run gourmet bistro with a modern British menu and delectable food. Great family atmosphere - next time must bring the kids.

By lunchtime I sat for a quick nibble at The Canbury Arms - Kingston. What a Risotto!! The welcoming atmosphere of the place works like a charm and talking about magic, walk up to the bar and you will see a great trick with balancing wine glasses. I shall tell you no more….

In the early evening a quick stop for a Happy Hour at the amazing Thai on the River - Battersea. The outside area is fantastic for those summer days (yet to come) the food and drink were absolutely tantalising. I wish I had stayed more, will have to come back for full dinner.

Mid Evening, given the fact that the weather is disappointingly cold for May, I settle for a nice curry at the one and only Taste of Mogul - Twickenham. Authentic Indian food cooked perfectly and served by friendly and attentive staff.

Would you like to try those and many other amazing restaurants without breaking the bank????

Sign up now to www.realtimeseating.com and get up to 50% discount. Alternatively you can always find out where I have been eating on my blogs and enjoy my experiences. Personally I like to try things for myself, but that is only me...

HUMMMM……I wonder where am I going to eat tomorrow….

 

13/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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What would you do for a million pounds?

In an era where the million pound club is a growing trend, I ask myself: If not for the money, what really sets us apart from the millionaire club? Is it attitude? Mentality? Love for the green stuff? Greed? Selfishness? or simply luck?

Why for so many people (including yours truly) having a million pounds is a benchmark for success? Just Google the subject and pages upon pages of miracle schemes will come up. There are even dating sites exclusive for the rich; with the words wealth,success and status across the page. I think they forgot to add NO GOLD DIGGERS ALLOWED or maybe is in their T&Cs somewhere.

I am no millionaire (yet) but the one thing I know for sure is that money has to be respected; making it, having it and spending it and one commom quality found in some of the richest people around the world is their ability to by savvy spenders as well as investors.

I am sorry, if I can`t promise you will become a millionaire after reading this but getting 50% off your food bill @ your local restaurant is a move in the right direction.

So if like me you are chasing the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, sign up now at realtimeseating.com and let the journey begin, or you can always play Euromillion.

 But whatever you do don`t forget to tell us…. What would you do for a million pounds?

10/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Dirty, little, secret…..

Kiss and not tell or kiss and bare all??? I have always been one of those people that you can`t say "Guess what?" followed by "I`ll tell you later…", secrets kill me and yet I catch myself going to amazing lengths to keep mine locked away.

In an era of Tweets, Blogs and social media, how do we keep our sacred secrets safe? Remember what happened last time you told your dirty, little ,secret to "just" one friend!

Some secrets are worth keeping while others have to be shared to be enjoyed, so here goes a few of my secrets worth sharing.

1 - Carnival in Rio is an amazing experience but you can get it for 1/4 of the original price if instead of watching the official parade (during the 5 days of carnival) you go to the winner`s parade after the carnival. Only the best are featured, the prices are generous and the atmosphere still electric.

2 - Acai fruit is the new super food craze. Often sold as a concentrated pill, however you can find the fresh product in the UK direct from the supplier with Gaya Ecotrade.

3 - During WWII women had limited or no access to stockings, so they had the brilliant idea of tinting their legs with used tea bags and you thought that fake tan was a modern commodity.

But since I am no gossip girl, I will retire leaving you with my most precious secret; I often eat out paying up to 50% off my food bill with www.realtimeseating.com. Not  really a secret but definitely worth sharing.

What is your dirty, little secret???

10/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Becoming a Skinny me

ARGHHHHH! I just found that my Spring/Summer wardrobe does not fit me anymore!

Yes, I am frustrated, but it is a normal occurrence with the post hibernation period. The Germans even have a word for it that I am not even going to attempt to spell, but it means "winter fat".

But who am I kidding, now that I am a decade older and have more kids than I can handle, shaping up is no small feat… not to mention that I work primarily with food and restaurants, I love food and when I am not busy "working". I am just plain lazy. Yes, that is right, I admit I am very lazy and I hate the whole gym thing.

However there is light at the end of the tunnel for all of us hopeless "chubby" souls out there. A while back I stumbled across a new "fitness" programme called Zumba and just yesterday (10/5/10) Metro newspaper did a two page spread about it. It is great fun and it does get the pounds going, however you still have to do your bit. No magic tricks there.

The best of all is that I already lost a few pounds, improved my stamina and don`t have to go on a diet, meaning that I can still go out and enjoy my "work"; eating my way through the best local restaurants in London.

So for a skinnier, happier you, follow two simple steps

1 - Get into Zumba Party

2 - Get eating at your local restaurant with up to 50% off, sign up now www.realtimeseating.com

As Beto Perez (creator of Zumba) said " Zumba is like Woodstock - without the drugs but with more sex!" and we all know that before sex there is always dining - his words not mine.

Source: Metro Newspaper

10/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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UK Election: It’s a Hung Parliament?

It is Election Day and all the commentary and talk is about the possibility of a hung parliament and that the last time the UK faced this situation was 36 years ago. Polls suggest that this is the closest run election in a generation. So what does this actually mean to me?

Simply put governing will come down to negotiations and compromises; and how different is that from life itself? Well not much really as everything around me is a negotiation or a compromise; my relationship, my business, my children (oh yes my children now that is definitely negotiation at the highest level) even the decision of where to go out for dinner becomes a negotiation and eventually leads to a compromise.

But life is too valuable to dwell on these matters but no matter how often I remind myself of this I can’t help falling into a negotiation. Except now in our house there is very little negotiation about where to go for dinner because that decision is made at an executive level. No not by my partner but by my local restaurant offering me up to 50% off my food bill when they have availability and this decision is delivered to me by text to by realtimeseating. So if negotiations forms part of your daily life and now and again you just want the decision made for you just sign up at www.realtimeseating.com and choose your favourite local restaurant to receive offers from.

So off to the vote ……..could be an interesting day but it will definitely be a great evening dining!

06/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Urgent: Chocolate lovers read this!

If you are a chocoholic like I am you may have missed this, I know I certainly did. According to some research that has just been completed by …wait for it…. a Dr Natalie Rose @ the University of California, San Diego, people who regularly eat chocolate are more depressive!

No, no, no, please help, I feel depressed just reading this. According to the health charity Mind more research is required to determine exactly what the relationship is between chocolate and our mood. Please will you just leave this alone…no more research please?

If the boffins continue to research this and the research holds up, I do have an antidote for depression. I will eat out more often at my favourite local restaurant which now is possible because they have text offers of up to 50% off the food bill . So like me have a backup plan in place just go to realtimeseating.com and sign up –in case the Americans are right!

04/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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£2000 to find Mr or Miss Right

Experts reckon that we spend around £2,000 and an average of 24 dates to meet Mr or Miss Right .

For the girls most of  this spend is towards the purchase of nicknacks associated with the dating game, but for the boys a staggering 80% of that £2,000 cost it attributed to wining and dining the prospective other half.

Right now, I can say that I am glad I am over and done with the dating game, but had I been on the market I would be a savvy investor and would minimise my costs by saving up to 50% on local restaurants deals (via texts) and impress the hell out of my dates with my spontaneity, choice of excellent local restaurant and good tipper (hell I can afford to be flash with the tip... I have eaten for half price!)

So what are you waiting for??? Register today at realtimeseating.com  and receive offers of up to 50% from your local restaurants .....oh and yes happy hunting my friend!

29/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Millions to save a landmark

Reading the BBC’s news headlines of “guess Hugh’s saved the Hollywood sign?” brought a chuckle to our office but it also got us wondering what would be the cost if we wanted to save local landmarks where we live. It is amazing what we consider to be a local landmark;

a green space

an old building

a playground

a Pub

a Restaurant

an interesting shop or “a gem of a shop”

a person

Whatever it is, would it cost $12.5 million to save – probably not it would cost much more than that because it is not the object but what it symbolises (the “story” about or behind the object).

So let’s appreciate what we have locally and support our local businesses and people and it needn’t cost us $12.5 million especially if we can get up to 50% off. How? I hear you ask – easy go to realtimeseating.com and sign up



28/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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What makes a great dining experience?

Today the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2010 will be announced as a result of a global poll among major food critics, chefs and gourmands globally. This starts a big debate because what makes the best dining experience for one person will be different for another.
How do you rate a restaurant? For you, perhaps it's the ambience and the service. First impressions count, so when you arrive at a restaurant, you want to be greeted in a friendly way and shown to a table as soon as possible. Queues and grumpy staff are real turn offs.
For me, the food and the presentation is one of the most vital factors of a great dining experience. Did the menu have enough variety and when the food was served, was it presented in an appetising way or just plonked onto the plate? The way the food is put on the table by the waiting staff is another factor. In my favourite restaurants, the food is served with a smile, which adds to the total experience. The restaurant gets high marks when the waiter checks every so often. Nothing is worse than waiting for the black pepper or for that second bottle of wine to arrive.
At the end of the day, the cost of the meal is the deciding factor as to whether I will go back to that restaurant.
Thanks to Real Time Seating (realtimeseating.com) I can take advantage of discounts at my favourite local restaurants, so I don't have to travel too far for a great dining experience.



26/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Volcanic Ingredients: ash, asparagus & rich list!

As I sit here reading the Sunday Times it suddenly dawns on me that in 2011 we could be seeing a local asparagus farmer on The Sunday Times Rich List.

Why? Well according to some articles I have read in our national press this past week suggests that the volcanic ash has not only caused havoc with travellers but has severely affected supply of fruit and veg into the UK. The demand for asparagus alone has doubled and in the short term the market could go bonkers – a good time for local farmers to cash in.

So will this supply of imported fruit and veg turn us on to local food? Well why not! On the back of St George`s day let`s keep supporting local produce and local everything – and now we can support local restaurants and it won’t cost us a packet - so support local and head over to realtimeseating.com and sign up for up to 50% off at your local restaurant..

26/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Great Food Debate

It can be tough coming to an agreement on what to eat on a night out – especially on the spur of the moment.

Chinese? Indian? Italian? French? That new Lebanese place down the road?

Still it’s a nice dilemma to have when there is so much choice in your area all competing for your custom. Especially when some of them will take up to 50% off your food bill.

For some of us an offer like that can be the deal breaker – it would certainly get my vote!

To see which restaurants in your area are currently topping the polls in your area with discounts of up to 50% check out realtimeseating.com and sign up today

23/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Forget the Election – Let’s Eat Our Way Out of the Recession

Whatever the state of the economy we still need to eat…and enjoy ourselves! Now that spring has arrived and with talk of some light at the end of the credit crunch tunnel isn’t it time to put all that behind us and get on with enjoying the finer things in life?

A great way of toasting in the economic recovery is to eat out at a nice restaurant – and only pay 50% of the full bill. Restaurant discounts enable you - and whoever you bring with you - to enjoy the whole dining out experience for a fraction of the cost.

So now that we’re getting to that time of year when at the first hint of sunshine everyone dashes to sit outside why not be one of them – and secretly laugh inwardly at the people at the next table who are paying full price..

It’s been a horrible year or so and the supermarkets have helped us through with their ‘dining experience at home’ deals. Now let’s move onto the next stage of economic recovery and enjoy the dining experience in a restaurant……. for 50% off the bill!

To find out more about which restaurants in your local area (and other areas you wish to dine in) are offering discounts of up to 50%, head on over to www. realtimeseating.com and sign up for a free membership.

Eat out in style this very evening!

15/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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