Tucked among the imposing buildings on Newcastle's Queen Street is a business that is making a huge impact on the UK's hospitality business.
When you’re in one of the North East’s most stylish bars and you’re excited about the stylish, quirky or downright elegant glass that your cocktail is served in then chances are its down to London Bar and Kitchen. For leisure outlets which want the latest trends in bar and restaurant ware, LBK is their go-to place.
From its base on Newcastle’s Quayside – and one in Watford serving the south – the company is widely recognised as being ahead of the game in terms of supplying everything that bars need to make a lasting impression on their customers.
It’s no longer just about what you drink, it’s the way it’s served which has become equally important to leisure outlets if they want to ensure they keep a tight hold on their customers. It’s a fact recognised by Daniel Hoey of LBK, which is why his team work tirelessly to identify trends and to ensure that the company is widely known as the go-to supplier.
It’s also why the company have tied up a range of exclusive deals with bar trade innovators and are able to provide equipment which adds a huge sense of theatre to the experience of buying a drink.
Think a system which instantly creates cocktails which arrive pouring out dry ice, a gun which imparts flavour into a drink and every conceivable shape of cocktail glass known to man. Or how about a coffee machine that can imprint a photograph in the foam? Just some of the latest products that the company is able to offer.
According to Daniel, the third generation of the family-owned business, their success is down to the quality and variety of goods they offer, the unique products they can source and their competitive pricing.
“We are very aware of current trends and what our clients are likely to be asking about so we can anticipate and source stock,” he said.
“We do extensive research about the product ranges and the fact that we have such a big showroom means our clients can actually come and see what is on offer.”
The rise in interest in cooking from the general public has also seen the company cater for home chefs who want the best knives and elegant crockery to showcase the fruits of their labour. In the professional world, the growth in interest in spirits such as gin has seen an increase in sales of “trees” which can house a number of glasses and make a real visual impact.
The same goes for the company’s extensive cocktail ranges with everything from treasure chests to Tiki-inspired glassware. “We pride ourselves of being ahead of the game and offering items that simply can’t be found anywhere else,” said Daniel.
For further information visit www.londonbarandkitchen.com www.lbk-ncl.co.uk LBK, Queen Street, Newcastle.