Restaurant Consultancy

Consulting to the Asian restaurant trade.

Specialising in the selection and supply of popular wines, which simultaneously, match the spicy cuisine.

THERE IS A GOOD NUMBER OF SUPPLIERS CLAIMING TO DO THIS......BUT WHEN IT COMES TO REALLY DOING IT PROPERLY.....THEN THERE IS ONLY ONE...RAWLINGS & WINE LTD

Testimonial from owner and Managing Director of

Chris Rawlings provides a bespoke service tailored to your desires and also that of what the market demands in terms of your cuisine. The labelling and a strict "no off shelf" product sourcing allows restaurateurs opportunity to price well. Working on existing stock and watching patterns, Chris supplies accurately ensuring no overstocking. We have worked with Chris for over 5 years and recommend his services as a consultant and wine supplier to all fellow restaurateurs.

Eriki

4-6 Northways Parade Finchley Road Swiss Cottage London NW3 5EN

The UK market The current trend in the UK, is for record numbers of both restaurant openings and closures. The ones which survive and prosper, are those which meet the demands of the increasing number of discerning potential customers.
		Photographs courtesy of Eriki
		Having the correct wines? Knowledge in wine is growing amongst the UK population, as the commodity continues to gain popularity. It has been long known that generally speaking, Asian restaurants present to their customers very poor wine lists. This fact alone, means that those very customers are seeking the best venues which offer the best value for their money. Wines to match the menu? Your restaurant decor and food menu may well be fantastic, but is that enough? Increasingly, people want more than this. Their idea of value for money, often extends now, to how well the wines match the food. As a result, they are seeking out those restaurants which provide this service

		One measure of success, is the number of repeat order bottles of the same wine, from one cover! How does your business rate against this statistic? Good food when matched with the correct wine is a wonderful experience, with the flavours from both, complimenting and enhancing each other, something which has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The experience of this, goes a long way to securing a very pleasant memory of the whole occasion for the customer, while you can be confident of them coming back

Rawlings & Wine Services

To this end, Rawlings & Wine Ltd, is actively providing a range of services to restaurants.This is giving them not only security in the market place through growing popularity, but in addition, higher spend per head, due to the improved taste experience.

This consultancy service will come to a venue of your choosing, usually the restaurant itself and can be timed, to suit the operational demands of your business.

The Consultancy Services

Wine list compilation and design

Assisting with source and supply of wines

Providing initial training of staff in the storage, care and serving of the wines

Ongoing consultancy, providing knowledge and advise about the wines on the restaurant list

Providing wine education programmes which follow the Wine & Spirit Education Trusts' nationally recognised qualifications.

To see web site to Eriki go to www.eriki.co.uk and Ma Goa go to www.ma-goa.com - both restaurant clients of Rawlings & Wine.

The text that now follows below, is our intoduction letter, which is initially sent to all potential clients;

..........................................................................................................................

Dear Sir

During my 25 years working for Waitrose, a reputable wine retailer and studying to gain the Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma, achieved in 2001, I became increasingly frustrated with the status quo in an ever increasing number of modern Asian restaurants.

I was fully aware of the current trends in alcohol consumption in both the on and off trade and up to date, with the vast array of wines on offer, from around the world.

As I looked deeper into the situation, it got worse. Outside, the sign would say “Contemporary Indian Cuisine” and indeed it was, backed up with stylish modern furniture and clever, tasteful décor.

What about the wine list then? Usually, a different story.

Generally, I would find a drab list, with out of date wines styles and wines often poor in quality, from the cash and carry, with little or no thought, as to the compatibility with the cuisine.

Staff wine knowledge would be little or non existent, with little or no support from the supplier, who was all to happy to take the order when it came but then let them get on with things as usual. “We rely on beer sales, people drink beer with Indian food”, seemed to be the official line from all I spoke to, even the suppliers.

Well of course, I know that this has been the British way since the 1960’s, if not before. However, if the likes of Indian restaurants want to be truly contemporary and they realise that wine is becoming very popular in this country and people are becoming much more knowledgeable on the subject, then it is in their own business interest to respond.

What is more, if you get it right, it can be a great match to many dishes, enhancing the all so important dining out experience.

Therefore in 2003, Rawlings and Wine Ltd, was established. I felt that not only was a business possibility present, but a passion also existed, to address the issues described. I felt qualified to act and sought to work with selected venues, whose owners shared my views but needed consultancy to improve. See www.eriki.co.uk and www.ma-goa.com Two example clients.

Thus the main ethos of Rawlings and Wine Ltd is to supply high quality, low cost wines, all of which, have been exhaustively selected using practical analysis, to compliment Asian Cuisine.

The styles chosen are popular and at affordable prices. Fortunately, many wines matching to modern Asian cuisine are in this category and just as well, since beer is still cheaper than wine!

You will probably realise by now, why the list attached is relatively short, yet hopefully still interesting and comprehensive. As already stated, the aim is to match wine with cuisine, at low cost to the consumer, to encourage wine sales. However, there is a separate, more traditional wine list available on request.

Rawlings and Wine realises the importance of service and regards only the highest levels mandatory.

To this end, Rawlings and Wine remains focussed in its specialist field, providing regular consultation, staff training and a personal visit at least once per month, are company policies. Most importantly, deliveries need to be accurate and on time and the wine quality, consistent.

We also, are willing to print your wine list creatively free of charge, to compliment the restaurant design or, an alternative format, which you may desire.

The list can be amended at any time, new wines are always being sought and suggested to clients, providing part of the ongoing consultancy service.

Ultimately, we are able to offer a service, which can be tailored to suit your business.

In order to fulfil all of the above criteria, Rawlings and Wine Ltd, has to be very selective with regard taking on new clients. I hope you find this information of interest and that our services may be of use. Please contact me for any further information you may require.

Yours truly

Chris Rawlings

Managing Director