Jordans Mill - Biggleswade, Bedfordshire
Located on the banks of the steady-flowing River Ivel stands the historic flour mill, Jordans Mill. Purchased by the Jordans Family back in 1893 at a time when Bedfordshire was home to over 400 flour mills and a major centre of flour production within the region. In 1894 a tragic fire tore through the entire mill which presented the family with the opportunity to carry out a full rebuild, replacing old milstones with the latest milling machinery, turning Jordans Mill into one of the leading most advanced of its time, that is still standing today.
Over the 20th century Jordans Mill continued innovating, becoming part of the worldwide granola movement which started in the 1970's and created the famous Jordans Original Crunchy that fast became one of the nation's favourite breakfast cereals.
Since 1992 when William 'Bill' Jordan (VI) and his brother David Jordan took over the family owned mill, the business has grown and diversified through the introduction of new products and has since opened its doors and gardens, becoming a vistors centre and facility for corporate and private events.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN DESIGN PROCESS
Opening to the public in April 2013 by HRH Prince Charles, Jordans Mill decided to introduce a basic food offering to the vistors centre which included lite bites, breakfasts, teas, coffees and cakes, along with buffet style hot meals which proved to be a massive success. However due to the variety of visitor types Jordans Mill needed to cater for, the food offering rapidly grew and the set-up became in-efficient and unable to keep up with demand. In 2016 both Bill and David decided it was time to review the catering side of the business.
Wanting to focus the food offering and improve the operational efficiency within the commercial kitchen through investing in the latest innovative commercial catering equipment they began their search for a company that could take control of the entire project from the initial concept design, through complete commercial kitchen design, manufacture, supply and install.
PROJECT BRIEF
The existing food hall offered a buffet/self service style of operation which was causing queues at service and payment points. These bottle-necks would encroach into the dining area, taking up usable cover space, whilst also causing a disruption to the operation of the kitchen, which in turn affected the quality and consistency of food being produced. Because of this, management at Jordans Mill decided they wanted to implement a table serviced restaurant style operation.
The poorly laid out kitchen was making use of an inefficient and slow 6 ring electric radiant plate range and outdated combi-oven, which impacted greatly on consistency and resulted in extremely high utility bills. This, combined with a lack of work space resulted in cross overs between prep and cook areas within the kitchen which became a main concern due to the potential for cross contamination.
Catering Manager Tom wanted to review the choice of current equipment in order to improve the quality and consistency of food as well as being able to cater for large corporate and private events with ease. Not only that, but being an open kitchen, it was improtant that the kitchen would be easy to keep clean and organised, allowing kitchen staff to run a smooth operation.
COMMERCIAL CATERING EQUIPMENT
With efficiency, speed, consistency and volume in mind Target Catering Equipment design consultants were instructed to prepare a complete new kitchen layout and servery design.
During the design process the in-efficient existing equipment began to fail and it became a necessity for the main cooking range to be replaced. With the knowledge that they wanted to switch to induction technology and with the power supply available, management decided to purchase an "Off The Shelf" Standard Target Restaurant Range with fast action rise and fall salamander grill over, which would be available immediately for use, and would keep operations going until the scheduled refurbishment.
The new cookline was then designed to incorporated this unit and was transformed with the addition of a Frima 112T VarioCooking Center, a Lincat/Rational SelfCookingCenter and a Target Bespoke commercial induction range with built in FriFri fryer and refrigerated drawer. All selected and approved following site visits to see the new innovative commercial kitchen equipment technology in use.
All new cookline equipment was to be situated in a new island configuration and completed with a new service manifold, designed to support the new 5.3m extraction canopy. This extraction canopy was only part of the new extraction system which also included new fans and ducting, which had to accommodate very low ceilings and duct outlets pre-formed in the green oak framed visitor centre and reuse existing outlets with no visable external alterations to the building.
Combined with the new cookline was a separated prep area complete with Gram refrigerated counters and Robot Coupe food preperation machines, and a new utensil/potwash area complete with Granuldisk Granule SMART machine.
The bespoke service counter was designed to use natural materials that would replicated the current style of the property whilst also being functional with hot cupboard and heated gantry over.
COMPLETE KITCHEN INSTALLATION
With designs being signed off in September 2016 and a refurbishment shutdown period scheduled for January 2017, this gave the Jordans Mill project management team 3 months to source and schedule local sub-contractors who would be involved with the project.
A complete set of installation drawings including M&E service drawings, bills of quantities and detailed specifications were prepared specifically for the project to be put out to tender to local subcontractors who would work alongside the Target Catering Equipment kitchen installation team in order to keep project labour costs to a minimum.
As scheduled in January 2017 works began which involved rip out of old equipment, counters and services, the installation of new commercial catering equipment, new Altro vinyll floors and PVC wall cladding, a new electrical distribution system, a complete new ventilation system including 5.3m long extraction canopy and service manifold, along with building work necessary to improve the flow of the kitchen.
With the help of the careful planning provided by the project management team, the complete commercial kitchen installation carried out by Target Catering Equipment ran like clockwork and was completed on schedule by the end of January 2017 ready for the new season.
This refurbished facility now showcases the very latest kitchen technology as chosen by Owners David and Bill Jordan, who still remain very hands on when it comes to keeping the mill at the top of the league and a destination of choice for discerning visitors in Bedfordshire.
Box-E (Chef Elliott Lidstone) - Wapping Wharf, Bristol
Throwing caution to the wind, Chef Elliott Lidstone decided that after spending years of his life working his way up through the ranks in the likes of Michelin starred restaurant L'Ortolan where he became head chef, before spending four years at the Empress in East London earning himself two AA rosettes, a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 32nd spot in the top 50 gastro pubs in the country in 2016, it was time to go it alone with his partner Tessa and take a shot at making their lifelong dreams come true!
Bristol's new vibrant harbour-side shipping container development Cargo 1 - Wapping Wharf was soon to become home to their new venture.
TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY
Elliott and Tessa approached Target Catering Equipment with a vision of turning two shipping containers into an intimate restaurant with complete kitchen that would allow Chef Elliott Lidstone to deliver his specialist dishes.
It was down to Target to prepare a complete kitchen layout design that would include, preparation area, cookline, service line, wash-up area and Chef's table all within just 10m².
Working closely with Elliott to ensure his kitchen was exactly as he wanted whilst being within his budget, the cookline was designed to consist of a Target TR-R restaurant induction range complete with commercial plancha and Adande refrigerated drawer, rise and fall salamander grill, Rational combination oven and fryer. The remaining kitchen layout being made up of refrigerated counters, prep benches, a dishwasher, dishwash tabling and storage.
Layouts approved, the install was ready to proceed.
With the containers being situated on an upper level meant that access was limited, the most efficient way to manoeuvre the equipment was for it to be craned up. Being an all-electric kitchen meant there were minimal regulations to adhere to and no costly gas installation requirements. Equipment was simply wheeled into position connected to pre-installed services and ready for handover.
Finishing touches to the interior completed, the restaurant was ready to open!
Reaping the benefits of their hard labour, Elliott and Tessa are now owner operators of a thriving restaurant nestled alongside an eclectic mix of other independent traders.
Box-E caters for 14 covers and includes 4 seats at the chef's kitchen table which offers a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy a seven-course tasting menu complete with a matching wine flight.
Since opening in October 2016 Box-E has already been announced as number 85 in Britain's top 100 restaurants in the National Restaurant Awards with Elliott Lidstone nominated as a Chef to Watch also by the National Restaurant Awards. Box-E is also being recognised as one to watch and a must visit by The Michelin Guide, BBC Good Food, - Fiona Beckett, The Sunday Times - Ed Cumming, The Guardian - Jay Rayner and Crumbs Magazine - Andy Clarke.
It is clear the new arrival of Box-E on the Bristol food scene is one not to be missed!
Visit boxebristol.com to book a table.
Planning on opening your own restuarant? Find out how we can help turn your dreams into a reality -Speak to a Target designer.
Bonny Inn - Salesbury, Lancashire
PROFESSIONAL INDUCTION STOVE COMPLETES ISLAND INSTALL
Designed and manufactured to be millimetre perfect in order to fit into the kitchen, the Target, energy efficient professional induction stove is the latest addition at The Bonny Inn, chosen by Micheal Heathcote to complete his new central island kitchen design.
The island induction cooker incorporates two mirror finished planchas and slide controlled induction solid top for multiple pan use along with round and square induction coils for stock pot cooking.
Integrated under the induction cooktop is a Blue Seal E31D4 convection oven which fits snuggly alongside Target's remotely mounted induction generators. Positioned for optimum cooling of the induction cooktops the remotely positioned generators allows extra space for useful adjustable storage space under for pots and pans.
An overhead rise and fall salamander grill compliments the cookline and pass having automatic plate detection and hot holding capacity as well as fast action grilling capability.
The professional induction stove has its own built in electrical distribution system which only requires one connection to incoming 3 phase mains power making installation quick and easy for the team of Target engineers.
A combination oven, charcoal oven and grill alongside FriFri fryers and Merrychef accelerated cooking system, compliments the cookline, providing this small but perfectly formed kitchen with a wide range of cooking systems to produce high quality output to cater for every taste at this well renowned hostelry.
For further information about Target's professional induction cooking range pelase call 01452 410447.
The Bridgend Hotel - Bridgend, Isle Of Islay
COMMERCIAL INDUCTION RANGE TRANSFORMS GAS KITCHEN
Head Chef, Scott Chance of the Bridgend Hotel, Isle Of Islay, was tasked with redesigning his kitchen. Scott had his own ideas but needed the help of a kitchen design specialist to turn these into reality.
After contacting Target Catering Equipment, Scott visited the Target factory, showroom and demonstration kitchen, based in Gloucester. This enabled him to take away many ideas and suggestions which would help him decide on his ideal kitchen design.
Following his research, Scott knew he wanted to replace existing gas cooking equipment with induction cooking technology and decided on incorporating a Target professional induction stove into the main cookline.
Having relayed his ideas, the Target design team produced a complete kitchen design along with detailed mechanical and electrical service plans so local building main contractor John McKechnie had a blue print to prepare the kitchen services ready for the Target installation team to install the equipment. The Altro hygienic wall, floor and ceiling systems, which were recommended by Target, were also prepared by John and his team.
The old building housing the kitchen needed windows removing to allow access for Scott's smoke room equipment, including a Bradley smoker, but all the other catering equipment, including the induction cooker, was on castors so could be easily manoeuvred into place.
Gram refrigeration was specified for this reomote island location as it is covered by Gram's 5 year extended manufacturer's warranty and also because it conformed to high eco design standards. The Gram fridges are fitted with heavy duty castors which make them easy to move and therefore ideal for cleaning and maintenance in the busy catering kitchen.
Compatible standard heights for the mobile counter fridges ensured level work surfaces throughout the commercial kitchen. The Gram compact fridges and freezers fitted perfectly under the work surfaces and additional Target gantries were manufactured to fit over the work surfaces increasing usable work space.
A new dishwashing facility was designed by Target to reduce clutter and maximise efficiency. Fabricated with custom made sinks designed with creamer edge clearing racks; these would prevent drips and spills. Fully welded and enclosed upstands reduce dirt traps and make cleaning easier on all Target specialist fabrications.
The commercial induction range, the design of which Scott decided upon following extensive trials and investigation, included flat and ribbed double planchas alongside round induction coils for stock pots and large pans and square induction coils to replicate the old gas solid top which Scott had loved to cook on. These were all incorporated into a continuous work surface alongside an inset Fri Fri double basket fryer with filtration.
A bakery style E27M3 4.7Kw Blue Seal turbofan oven was under mounted in the induction stove. The oven was chosen for its simplicity, reliability and even oven temperatures with twin contra rotating convection fans capable of taking 3 off 600 x 400MM baking trays.
Above the induction cookline a full length plate and grill rack was fitted to provide additional storage space for the kitchen's utensils. A fast action, rise and fall salamander grill was also positioned above th induction cooktop. This grill was the latest hi-touch model, with new program options which allow cooking times and temperatures to be set so dishes are cooked to perfection whilst saving energy and reducing temperatures in the kitchen.
The Bridgend Hotel catering kitchen installation was completed on time and on budget with Target and local contractors working together. The end result was a very happy head chef and hotel manager and a transformed kitchen.
Kingham Plough - Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Commercial Kitchen Transformed by Target
Located in the Oxfordshire village of Kingham, near Chipping Norton, the Kingham Plough has achieved a happy balance between a 'proper' pub and an exceptional dining room. Since opening in 2007, Chef Proprietor Emily Watkins and her husband Miles Lampson have followed their ethos that provenance is the key to great food and they continue to source only the best local ingredients, both for the kitchen and bar.
Their succes is reflected in their numerous awards. This year alone the kingham Plough has been awarded their prestigious third AA Rosette, been placed 72nd in the top 100 restaurants in the National Restaurant Awards, have won the Oxfordshire Dining Pub of the Year in the Good Pub Guide for the second year running, and continue to be recommended in the Michelin and AA guides amongst many others.
In addition to the dining pub, they have six comfortable bedrooms upstairs for customers to really make the most out of their Cotswolds experience.
As a family-run pub, the Kingham Plough is both child-friendly and dog-friendly, maintaining a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that is comfortable, friendly and inclusive. It is everything that an exceptional Cotswolds dining pub with rooms should be.
ABOUT EMILY WATKINS
Executive chef Emily Watkins has put everything into building her business and career as a chef, working tirelessly to produce delicious dishes, developing her own style of modern British cuisine.
Over the years Emily has featured on numerous TV productions including The Hairy Bikers, Tom Kerridge's Proper Pub Food, whilst also regulalry appearing in the local, national and international press.
In 2014 Emily competed in the BBC's Great British Menu, winning with her fish course. Following this Emily was selected to cook her winning dish for war veterans at St Paul's Cathedral in a banquet commemorating the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and has since returned to the show as a veteran judge for the South West Region.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN DESIGN PROCESS
After the whirlwind of being heavily in the limelite as a prestigious chef, Emily Watkins and husband Miles Lampson decided it was time to invest in their business and improve their dated kitchen by introducing an energy efficient, eco friendly, erganomically designed commercial kitchen.
Emily needed a company to help turn her ideas into reality, having previously worked with Target Catering Equipment, based in Gloucester, she got back in contact and asked Target's design team to work with her to transform her kitchen.
PROJECT BRIEF
The old kitchen at the Kingham Plough was poorly designed, highly unproductive and inefficient, using LPG bottled gas which produced a lot of waste heat that the ventilation system could not cope with, especially during the summer months making the kitchen unbearable at times for staff.
Equipment was being left on for most of the day and not turned off because it was difficult to reignite, resulting in high utility bills. The antiquated equipment was also costing a lot to keep running through engineers's service call outs to replace failed thermocouples and to clear blocked gas jets.
Multiple pots and pans were being used that required regular de-carbonising as did all the equipment, as the excessively high temperatures burned on all debris and spills to the cooking equipment and utensils. This again costing the company money.
Being in a traditional Cotswold building the kitchen suffered with uneven floors and walls, causing surface finishes to deteriorate over time. These were to be made good and compliant with Health and Safety regulations, smooth, impervious and easy to keep clean.
With a three phase electrical supply available Emily made the obvious decision of opting for an all electric kitchen. It was now down to Target to design and specify equipment that would meet her needs, which was to include an energy efficient Target bespoke commercial induction range.
COMMERCIAL CATERING EQUIPMENT
Target's design team and Emily looked at how they could improve work flow and productivity and create a better ambience for their kitchen brigade.
The main cookline being transformed with a Target bespoke induction range able to cope with large stock pots and also small multiple pan cooking with a double plancha. Combined with a 10 grid Lincat combination oven would speed up cooking process times, reduce waste heat and minimise energy costs.
Along with the main cookline range Emily decided thata bespoke island induction cooking suite would be ideal for the pastry section. This would be accessible from both sides of the kitchen and once again improve workflow.
Target's design team also recommended other equipment which was specifically desgined to reduce energy consumption. Fosters Eco range of fridges and blast chillers were specified and Target used their stainless steel fabrication facility to customise the units in order to meet Emily's demanding and site specific requirements.
With a new hot pass, a Target fast action salamander grill, and the Winterhaulter, energy efficient heat recovery dishwashing system, despite some earlier misgivings about all the new technology being introduced into the kitchen, staff were soon enjoying the kitchen's transformation.
COMPLETE KITCHEN INSTALLATION
With the complete commercial kitchen refurbishment scheduled for a 2 week turnaround, involving installation of new catering equipment, new Altro resin floors and PVC wall cladding, a new electrical distribution system, extension to the ventilation canopy along with building work to accomodate new storage areas and cold room, the Target team had their work cut out. However, with careful planning and attention to detail the refurbishment was completed 3 days ahead of scheduled handover, allowing Emily and her team plenty of time to prepare for the official re-opening just before the busy Cheltenham race week.
The hard work and planning from Emily and the Target team continues to pay dividends, as the Kingham Plough has recently been awarded 2 stars by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, the kitchen is running more efficiently, energy costs are down and staff morale is up!
WHAT EMILY WATKINS HAS TO SAY ABOUT TARGET
"I chose Target because they were able to totally work with me from beginning to end, from the initial chat stages through the whole design process, creating exactly what we needed."
Emily Watkins - Chef Proprietor of Kingham Plough
The Moat House (The Lewis Partnership) - Acton Trussell, Staffordshire
ELECTRIC INDUCTION HOBS TRANSFORM TRADITIONAL GAS RANGE
With gas solid tops cracking up, open gas burners failing and uncontrollable gas ovens, Group Executive Chef, Matt Davis of the Lewis Partnership's flagship hotel, The Moat House at Acton Trussell, needed help renovating his outdated traditional gas range.
As owner, Chris Lewis, had recently installed energy monitoring equipment throughout the hotel, it was abundantly clear that the kitchen was haemorrhaging energy. With a ventilation system that was struggling to keep up with the production of waste heat from the range and the continuing repair bills just to keep the old gas range going, it was time for a change.
Having looked at many different solutions, Davis discovered Target Catering Equipment and working together, a plan was devised to convert the gas range to electric induction. By installing Target commercial induction hobs, a commercial plancha griddle, pasta boiler and electric convection ovens the gas range would be converted into a commercial induction suite which in turn would transform the kitchen.
On initial investigation it became clear that the chassis of the original range was in good condition although the gas components were not up to the job. With this in mind Target designed a range of drop in electric units and started the job of removing the original built in gas units. And so the transformation began!
Induction hobs replaced the gas burners and the gas ovens were converted to electric convection ovens. The gas fryer was removed and a pasta boiler installed. An overhead high efficiency salamander fast action rise and fall grill was also added.
As all work had to be completed without shutting the kitchen at this busy hotel, the Target engineers worked through the night in order to complete the task of converting the range from gas to an all electric induction range.
Without losing a single day's revenue from kitchen closure, the transformation from gas to electric induction was completed.
Group Executive Chef Matt was delighted with the renovation and his kitchen brigade are now using the very latest induction cooking technology which has transformed the kitchen.
Owner, Chris Lewis, continues to monitor the energy bills and is currently looking forward to a busy and energy efficient hotel whilst his catering staff are looking forward to cooking on induction in a cooler, quicker and more productive kitchen.
Cinderhill Farm - St Briavels, Lydney
Production Kitchen Design Helps Cinderhill Farm's Pie House Double Output
After a year of acclaimed success supplying Cinderhill Farm ‘Foggy’ pasties, pies and sausage rolls, to the M5 Gloucester Northbound motorway services, and with the iminent opening of the new M5 Gloucester Southbound motorway services approaching, the strain on their exisiting production kitchen was becoming apparent. As a result, Cinderhill Farm Owners Deborah and Neil Flint decided a new production kitchen was needed to enable them to double production at Cinderhill Farm's Pie House.
Deborah and Neil contacted local catering equipment company Target Catering Equipment in order to help them come up with a production kitchen design that would allow them to cope with increasing demand and utilise the exisiting footprint at their Pie House based on their working farm in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.
With the project came an added pressure in that production had to continue whilst the refurbishment was to be carried out. Luckily Target was able to assist with this, as a temporary production kitchen was able to be set up in Target’s fully operational demonstration kitchen, perfectly located just off the M5, junction 12.
Target’s commercial kitchen designers worked together with Deborah and Neil to prepare a suitable production kitchen design that would meet their current and future needs.
With the existing ovens unable to cope with increased demand, Target suggested a Rational SelfCooking Center combination oven to increase output, improve consistency and reduce cleaning time. The old gas range cooking facility was replaced with a VarioCooking Center 211 and commercial induction hob cookline. With all equipment featuring HACCP software to record and control the cooking process thus ensuring consistent perfect results every time.
Potwashing and utensil washing by hand and domestic dishwasher was replaced with a energy efficient Granuldisk bead blasting utensil washer. Saving on space, minimising water consumption, removing the need for cleaning chemicals and speeding up cleaning processes.
New refrigerated prep counters and large chopping boards were introduced to speed up preparation and hand forming of the products. Blast chilling before packaging and distribution and storage was improved with a "roll-in-roll-out" trolley system which allowed chilling to be processed direct from the oven. This reduced handling, utensil and baking tray use.
All new Altro Xpresslay adhesive-free vinyl floors and White Rock hygienic finished walls were installed along with a completely new electrical distribution system upgraded to a 3 Phase supply and emergency generator supplies to provide back-up power ensuring production would not be interupted in the event of mains power shortages.
Target designed and project managed the complete fit-out working alongside local tradesmen and builders preparing groundworks and new drainage systems ready for the new kitchen equipment installation.
"The whole project went really well and was made so much easier with the availability and use of the Target demo kitchen" said Deborah. “Whilst utilising the temporary production facility at Target, pie production increased and The Pie House team were able to meet demands of both the north-bound and south-bound Gloucester motorway services. The new kitchen offers so much more space for us to expand, so a fantastic result all round.”
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House (1 Michelin Star) - Windemere, Lake District
COMMERCIAL RANGE COOKER COMPLETES KITCHEN REFURB
Gordon Cartwright, Executive Chef Director at the Gilpin Hotel & Lake House, decided to switch to an all electric kitchen, commissioning a Target commercial range cooker with induction cooktop and plancha grill for the Michelin starred restaurant.
Visionary Dining founder Cartwright pushed all the boundaries and defied convention with his new kitchen design. The creative kitchen has no defined pass but multiple food preparation and assembly areas, each with its own suspended heat lamp, hot holding section.
Portable induction hobs, sous vide water baths and other table top catering equipment is spread around the kitchen with the Target commercial induction range stove at the centre of the sections all orchestrated by Cartwright.
The induction range cooker requires no overhead ventilation in its central island position, with general kitchen ventilation provided by the original wall mounted extract system, the only thing remaining unchanged from the original kitchen and saving a fortune in refurbishment costs.
Energy efficiency is a key driver for Cartwright and along with the induction stove, Target's fast action rise and fall salamander grill and automatic plate detection bar, energy consumption is greatly reduced allowing an increase in bottom line profitability.
For further information about Target commercial induction please call 01452 410447.
Caffe Vergnano 1882 - Southbank, London
TARGET INDUCTION COOKING RANGE SPECIFIED FOR ITALIAN KITCHEN DESIGN
A Target induction cooking range completes the classic Italian Cafe's cookline for leading London equipment distributor and kitchen designer, Chiller Box Ltd.
Chiller Box re-designed the kitchen at Caffe Vergnano 1882, located in London's Southbank Centre development, and, whilst retaining certain elements to keep the costs down, also supplied new equipment including the bespoke induction cooking range.
The deck pizza oven, Valentine fryers and pasta boiler line up was completed with a Target bespoke induction range which incorporated an induction cooktop and plancha with convection oven and grill under. The bespoke induction cooking range is proving popular as a replacement to the traditional 6 burner gas range and equivalent radiant plate electric range.
Chiller Box designers now specify induction as part of their energy efficient kitchen design package and working together with manufacturer's Target Catering Equipment they can deliver bespoke induction cooking solutions to suit their clients' needs.
Chefs love the instant heat and control that cooking on a Target induction range gives and when used alongside the plancha grill the ideal versatile cooking station is created. With integrated work surfaces and upstands to sides and rear of the induction range, cleaning is made easy as spillages are contained on the worktop, cooking directly on the commercial plancha means less pots and pans and thus reduces time spent washing up.
Induction cooking is the cool alternative!
For further information please call 01452 410447.
Kingsholm Stadium (Gloucester Rugby) - Gloucester
KINGSHOLM STADIUM CHOOSES ELECTRIC INDUCTION COOKING
Target Catering Equipment beat off fierce competition to secure a place supplying and fitting the new fine dining kitchen in the Legends Lounge Restaurant at Gloucester Rugby Kingsholm Stadium.
Gloucester Rugby's finance director and club secretary, John Parker, wanted to upgrade facilities at the club in preparation for Rugby World Cup 2015 corporate entertainment. Several local catering equipment businesses were invited to tender for the works.
After considerable research, the club decided that an all electric kitchen incorporating a commercial induction stove was the answer. Designed, manufactured and installed by Target, the commercial kitchen design utilised to the full the tiny space available and would allow for meals to be prepared and cooked efficiently in house at this famous sports venue.
Along with solving the kitchen ventilation issues associated with the enclosed kitchen, and complying with the fire and saftey regulations at the staudium, Target's energy efficient and safe induction cooking range would once again provide the centre piece for the kitchen.
Target's innovative commercial kitchen design and bespoke manufacture combining induction cooking with a Blue Seal convection oven, rational combi ovens and a balanced air ventilation system proved to be a winning combination at Gloucester Rugby.
The Pickled Piglet - Birmingham
INDUCTION COOKING TRANSFORMS RESTAURANT KITCHEN
A Target induction cooking system now takes pride of place in The Pickled Piglet restaurant kitchen after Chef Patron, Mark Rafferty kicked out his old electric radiant plate cooker and replaced it with a bespoke induction range cooker.
With the old radiant plate range consuming vast amounts of electricity and producing lots of heat, which made the kitchen intolerably hot to work in, Mark decided that the best way to cure the problem was with an energy efficient induction cooking system.
With the help of Target Catering Equipment, Mark designed his own induction cooking suite to optimise all the available space within his kitchen. Target's slide top induction, with a single, variable control knob, reproduces the gas and electric radiant plate solid top style of cooking with a graduated heat induction cooking surface.
The Target plancha grill also allows for extra high temperature cooking without the need for pans, this saves on the washing up and the need for extra pans during busy service.
By incorporating two Blue Seal drop down door ovens, with simple to use thermostatic control, manual timers and contra rotating fans for even oven temperatures, underneath the induction cooktop. Mark now has a seamless, powerful induction range which is not only energy efficient but also easy to clean.
For further information about Target's bespoke induction ranges please call 01452 410447.
The Royal Oak - Tetbury
TARGET PUTS INDUCTION COOKING AT THE HEART OF A REJUVENATED COTSWOLD HOSTELRY
There's something satisfying about bringing a much loved, but long neglected, Cotswold pub back to life. When two people decided to rejuvenate the Royal Oak at Tetbury, Gloucestershire, their vision centred on turning a run-down 'drinking hole' into a real ale, food and accommodation led community pub. Making an impossibly small kitchen work for their chefs to produce great home cooked food demanded a special kitchen contractor with experience, ingenuity and attention to detail. That's when Target Catering Equipment got involved.
Cotswolds based Chris York and Kate Lewis love challenges. Not content with careers in the music business and marketing, the Tetbury couple took on a labour of love to bring The Royal Oak, a much loved (but terribly run-down) Cotswolds hostelry, back to life. If ever a phoenix was going to rise this was it, due to the pub's condition after several year's neglect. With a big part of Chris and Kate's vision being the transformation of the former wet-led pub into a culinary hotspot, the kitchen was always going to be at the heart of the project.
The existing "kitchen" was little more than a lean-to afterthought on the end of the run-down building. Nevertheless, seeing its potential prompted Chris and Kate to approach Gloucester based Target Catering Equipment. Then, as part of the pub's redevelopment, the "magic" began - under the watchful eyes of the owners and executive chef, Al Fricker, whose lengthy CV includes work for non-other than the governor of The Bank of England!
Al takes up the story. From the start, it's a tale of how a seasoned catering professional's reservations turned into unbounded admiration for the craft and service standards of the Target team. Target's work began with the inspired creativity of lead designer Nicola Pedrette as she completely rethought the "impossibility" of The Royal Oak's kitchen space.
VERY PLEASED WITH WHAT TARGET ACHIEVED
"I'll be honest and say that I had reservations from the start," admits Fricker. That's no reflection on David Pedrette and his team, but the kitchen was a nightmare. When I first got involved, I was really surprised by the lack of space. Then I realised how they'd thought out the design and as I saw each component fit into place, I gradually came to like it. More than that actually; I'm very pleased with what Target achieved - and so are Chris and Kate.
Al keeps referring to Target's knowledge and can-do attitude as he recalls their work. "As a kitchen contractor, David stands out for combining two things: his considerable knowledge and the way that if he says he'll do something he just does it. No chasing, no reminders, it just gets done to a very high standard when he says he'll do it."
Knowledge and punctuality came with ingenuity too, as Target conjured much needed extra storage from nowhere - including clever maximisation of wall storage, set clear of the kitchen walls for easy cleaning. However, Fricker's favourite demonstration of their ingenuity is the way they used "dead space" in the kitchen's attic for a modular self-assembly fridge unit that could be assembled in a space where no other free-standing unit would fit.
NO DOUBTS ABOUT INDUCTION COOKING
At the heart of the kitchen is Target's induction cooking range - a logical decision given that a new electrical supply was in the brief. Executive chef Fricker isn't the first experienced chef that Target Catering has introduced to induction cooking. Like others before him, he had reservations...
"My initial misgivings, " he concedes, " about the induction cooking line's ability to give enough heat, proved unfounded. We've had three chefs working here together and we all noticed how much cleaner and cooler this kitchen is. We haven't got before and after fuel costs to compare, but the spec for the induction range promises excellent future performance. Chris and Kate were keen to go electric because it's better for the environment as well as being cost effective!"
UNEXPECTED BENEFITS
As well as the environmental, energy consumption, cleanliness and temperature advantages of the commercial induction range, the new kitchen's biggest benefit is simply that it has transformed an "impossible" space into a working kitchen to support Chris and Kate's culinary vision for The Royal Oak. Al Fricker elaborates: "I've worked in lots of kitchens but few as difficult as this. David's team turned the impossible into the "doable". Without that, the new Royal Oak simply wouldn't have been able to deliver when Chris and Kate decided we could officially reopen in August 2013."
The pub's executive chef goes on to explain another, less obvious, benefit of working with Target: "David," he explains, "is very well connected. He's been a valuable source of introductions to local catering networks, including local organic food sources, as he strives to get everything just perfect. As well as understanding design, fabrication, specification and kitchen installation, David loves good food and understood our passion for getting food right. Then he put his heart into the project to create the heart of the pub. That's pure gold on a project like this."
RECOMMENDATIONS AHEAD FOR TARGET
Asked whether he'd recommend Target Catering Al Fricker answers unhesitatingly: "Definitely. I'll be doing so shortly when I speak with another consultant involved with different aspects of the pub's development. In fact, I'd go so far as saying Target Catering Equipment is probably the most consistent delivery-based supplier, I've ever worked with for kitchen fitting in the UK." That's praise indeed from a chef whose career has involved the culinary stratosphere of several UK three-star Michelin kitchens as well as consultancy across Europe.
It's a sentiment shared by pub owners Chris York and Kate Lewis, as their hard work finally comes together, and the transformed Royal Oak opens its doors (and new kitchen) to guests.
THEY’VE HELPED OUR VISION COME TRUE
Kate sums everything up: "We hope the local community and visitors to Tetbury will come and enjoy a warm welcome in a creative, fun and friendly freehouse with a wonderful kitchen at its heart. What we've achieved in our pub kitchen wouldn't have been possible without the support, ingenuity, patience and contacts that Target Catering Equipment brought. Just like a great pub that you stumble upon and make your own, they're a wonderful find that has helped our vision come true and sets us up for a successful future."
Kylesku Hotel - Kylesku, Sutherland
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT REPLACES LPG WITH INDUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Set on the shores of Loch Glendhu in the Scottish Highlands is the Kylesku Hotel, a family run, old coaching inn dating back to 1680. A hotel that is passionate about food, locally sourced produce is Kylesku's speciality. With fishing boats landing on the slipway outside the hotel, it's more about 'food metres' than 'food miles'. In addition to the destination restaurant the Kylesku Hotel has 11 bedrooms allowing guests to experience quality food in welcoming, friendly and comfortable surroundings.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN DESIGN PROCESS
Having purchased the long standing inn, new owners Tanja Lister and Sonya Virechauveix continued to operate the business in its inherited state. After a few months in operation it was clear that the hotel was tired, inefficient and in need of a complete refurbishment, so the search began for a company that could carry out the project. This task was harder than expected for the pair, due to the hotel's remote issolated loation very few would contemplate such a project. However, for Target Catering Equipment who had recently completed a project for Sodexo's Remote Sites Base in Aberdeen continuing further North was not an issue.
Offering the complete service including design, manufacture, supply and installation of a commercial kitchne, meant Target could meet all the owner's needs and following a visit to site to discuss the project and carry out a site survey were subsequently selected to begin the refurbishment process.
PROJECT BRIEF
With the remote location came high running costs. The hotel was relying on LPG gas to run the restaurant's kitchen and the gas bill was averaging at over £600 per month. Becoming more energy efficient and reducing overheads was the only option to ensure the future of the business.
The existing kitchen was small and difficult to operate in resulting in unhappy staff and dissatisfied cutomers. Bespoke fabricated items would be needed in order to meet the specific space requirements and needs for the kitchen.
Working closely with Tanja and Sonia, David Pedrette, Managing Director of Target Catering Equipment designed a suitable commercial kitchen that all would enjoy working in. It was decided that the hotel should upgrade its electrical supply to accomodate the new energy efficient equipment, which would in turn provide savings that would soon outway the initial upgrade costs.
COMMERCIAL CATERING EQUIPMENT
The new commercial catering equipment included within the commercial kitchen specification consisted of; bespoke manufactured stainless steel catering equipment, including sinks, tables, racking, along with a bespoke Target commercial induction cooking suite and other supplied kitchen appliances, and completed with kitchen extraction system to suit.
COMPLETE KITCHEN INSTALLATION
Target's team project managed the install and completed the total kitchen refurbishment in 7 days whilst staying over at the remote site. The installation included installation of mechanical and electrical services, Altro hygienic wall cladding, commercial kitchen flooring and ceilings, along with all catering equipment.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT...
Following the refurbishment Kylesku Hotel was commended in the 2012 Good Hotel Guide and the 2012 Michelin Guide to Eating in Pubs, and has since been awarded 2014 'Scottish Hotel of the Year' by the Good Hotel Guide. The Kylesku Hotel now relies on Scottish hydro power for all its needs and with its state of the art new induction kitchen equipment and kitchen refit, Tanja and Sonia are well equipped for many more busy seasons to come.
WHAT TANJA & SONIA HAS TO SAY ABOUT TARGET
"From start to finish Charlotte, David and the rest of the team were there. We never knew of problems only solutions. Aproject well managed and brilliantly executed!"
"It's been 5 months already! 5 months of improved atmosphere in the kitchen, of improved productivity and much improved cooking!! Thank you all for the great job you did we hope to see you all at some point again!"
Tanja Lister and Sonia Virechauveix - Owners of Kylesku Hotel
The Speech House Hotel - Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
THE SPEECH HOUSE HOTEL ACHIEVES AMBITIOUS GREEN GOALS
It's another business lunchtime in the Speech House Hotel's relaxed bar and delicious meals arrive quickly. Litle do the dinners know that the new commercial induction range supplied and installed by Target underpin their experience. Behind the scenes, in new efficiency, quality, green credentials, safety and profitability, change is even more marked ...
Peter and Gill Hands bought the hotel in 2010 before updating it while carefully retaining the traditions of a much-loved business and cultural hub in the Royal Forest of Dean.
An approach by Business West introduced possible benefits from incentivised investment as a green business. After auditing and recommendations by Business West's Chris Springett, they identified Target Catering Equipment in Gloucester as possible suppliers.
IMPRESSED FROM THE START
Owner Peter Hands commented "From the start, David Pedrette, MD of Target Catering Equipment, impressed us. His responsivness and thorough survey revealed opportunites for energy and other costs savings by replacing our old LPG-gas kitchen - and improved efficiencies through upgraded equipment and layout. After identifying our requirements and suggesting options, Target demonstrated induction cooking at their showroom - including a party-piece where a £50 note remains undamged between a working induction hob and a boiling pan!"
The hotel already had 3-phase electricy that was underutilised in the belief that ease of use and controllability made gas best for cooking. Electrical equipment had never been considered viable - a belief not helped by entrenched staff resistance to change.
THE CHALLENGE
With projected savings verified by Chris Springett, the hotel management team approved Target's proposals and the required investment, supplemented by EU funding for improving energy resource efficiency. With a Green Business grant in place, installation began.
Peter again: "Our old solid top range generated lots of waste radiant heat because it, and our ovens, had to stay on 12-14 hours a day, in and out of service, with energy guzzling electric fans running continuously.
There was also a continously running wall mounted gas grill over our fryers and poor kitchen workflow around mismatched units. And an inefficient hot pass without plating-up space for large functions. Food sometimes went out at less-than-optimal quality, having cooled rapidly before service."
Peter and Gill were impressed by Target's thorough exploration of their requirements before suggesting options and arranging demonstrations. "They knew exactly how to meet our requirements and were always very helpful. As a family business ourselves, we like working with family firms and keeping business local. Having David and Liz and the rest of the Target team just minutes away is reassuring."
WE KNEW WE'D CHOSEN WISELY
"Installation went smoothly," recalls Peter, "and our chefs took to the new induction cooking equipment at once. After finding our feet, a great "coming together" on day two reassured us that we'd chosen wisely. In reality, you expect teething troubles, but to Target's credit there weren't any. The only niggle was a persistently failing oven lamp that the Target team and their supplier handled under warranty.
THE BENEFITS
Descibing a positive experience for the hotel team and its guests, Peter says: "We've got first class equipment and better procedures without compromising quality. Our operation's quality has improved in many ways - from streamlined kitchen workflow and better presented food, to faster service."
There have been financial savings too, with the promise of more to come. As Gill Hands explains: "It's difficult to precisely quantify fuel savings. For this we'd need to know amounts of fuel used, actual like-for-like sales and weather conditions. The unit costs to fuel also increased several times during the year." That said, Gill's comparisons show worthwhile savings between 2011 and 2013 - particularly when rising costs and a long cold winter are considered. The quantifiable benefits clearly reflect moving from gas, efficiencies and energy savings due to the speed and responsiveness of induction cooking, and massively reduced use of the electric ventilation system. As well as the electricity cost, the cost of wastefully extracting already- heated air from the rest of the hotel has fallen too.
"Ambient kitchen temperatures are much lower now and reduced fan use eliminates draughts," adds Peter. "Chefs occasionally describe the kitchen as cold - but I'm sure they'll like it in the summer!"
As for operational improvements, the kitchen team loves the induction ranges flexibility and responsiveness, and easier workflow over newly-levelled worktops. On the commercial induction range, round, square and induction solid top coils replicate the old gas range, cook twice as fast, use half the power and are more controllable. Importantly, less energy is wasted because hobs switch on and off automatically when pans are placed or removed. There are also new electric convection ovens and grills under the main cooktop and a new combination oven on the end of the cookline. Centre stage on the main food prep island goes the new "rise and fall" salamander grill. Because it produces no harmfull by-products of combustion, it didn't have to stay in the old gas grill's less-than-ideal position over the fryers and under the ventilation canopy.
Individually switched lights on the refurbished hot pass keep food and plates at correct temperatures, complementing the new equipment and helping chefs increase the already high food-quality standards for anything from light lunches to functions. As Peter explains: "We can bake potatoes and meringues at different temperatures in the same oven. That's clever!"
GUESTS NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE
Guests are noticing the differences and commenting positively on food quality and service speed to. Whether Peter and Gill are catering for a banquet or those business diners, they're sure induction cooking benefits guests. And though emphasising that they'd never hurry diners, they know increased efficiency enables servicing more covers at busy times.
Happy diners, chafs and owners reflect well on the new kitchen. As well as greater energy efficiency, it's also easier to clean and maintain - with labour saving details such as a moveable wheel mounted cookline.
SAVINGS CAN BE REINVESTED IN GUEST FACILITIES
The reduced ventilation requirements means the old external ventilation ducting can go - improving the hotel's appearance and cutting maintenance costs. What's more, the guests won't have to endure the noise and vibration of the fan needed to meet gas saftey regualtions for dispensing fumes. Along with a planned biomass unit and other energy saving measures around the hotel, it means substaintial savings for reinvestment in guest facilities.
INTO THE FUTURE
Working with Target has cemented bonds between the businesses: Target's done product photography and video filming at Speech House; and businesses collaborated to recycle the old LPG gas stove. After inviting 'bids' from the local community, Lydney Sea Scouts 'won' the equipment for their centre where it will see out its days working for local community groups.
As well as enjoying transformed operations and costs, the Hands are now ambassadors for Target induction cooking equipment and business greening. In April 2013, they even won Green Business of the Year in The Forester's annual Business Awards. No wonder UK hoteliers and overseas delegations come to see the equipment with a view to greening their kitchens.
Would Peter and Gill recommend Target Catering Equipment? "Yes," says Peter. "Our relationship only stengthens and I've referred potential clients to them. We both agree that organisations such as Business West and Gloucestershire First should continue to showcase our success to a wider audience that will benefit from silmilar efficiencies and CO2 reduction wherever food is prepared."