BUSINESS NEWS
On your marks, get set... Wait! COVER STORY
Bath BID’ s first ever Waiters’ Race took place at The Royal Crescent on Monday 7th April to mark the start of Bath Restaurant Week.
Raising money for Hospitality Action, a charity supporting workers in the hospitality sector, the event presented an opportunity to celebrate businesses across the city.
Inspired by the legendary Paris Waiters’ Race, competitors raced in relays across the crescent holding trays with two champagne flutes, a tumbler and a Sally Lunn’ s Bunn.
The event had a fantastic turnout of 30 teams, and following three relay heats and a tense final, The Pump Room Restaurant was crowned the winner.
The Beefy Boys took silver and The Walcot Group went home with the bronze.
Richard Bertinet began each race and judged the event, with Jonathan Overton of Sally Lunn’ s acting as‘ Bunnpire’.
The event was sponsored and supported by a range of partners who provided equipment, refreshments, prizes, as well as their time, including: Alex Peters at Bath Pizza Co, The Royal Crescent Society, Sally Lunn’ s, Canned Wine Co., Birrificio Angelo Poretti, Deliveroo, RWK Goodman, The Walcot Group, The Wheatsheaf Combe Hay, Nisbets, Bath Echo, Eat PR & Marketing and Zonkey Web Design.
Alex Peters, Director at Bath Pizza Co and Green Park Brasserie, said,“ It has been wonderful to watch the first ever Bath Restaurant Week come to life and be such a success! We know how tough the last few years have been for hospitality businesses, so events like this which recognise and celebrate the hard work taking place behind the scenes are invaluable, not only for morale, but also in reaching new patrons. The Bath Restaurant Week campaign has helped to get new customers through the door of local venues, but it has also encouraged residents to try different establishments and cuisines and hopefully discover new favourites.
“ It’ s been brilliant to showcase the diverse and exciting culinary and beverage scene that Bath has to offer, along with our city’ s exceptional levels of customer service. Finding new ways to come together and collaborate as a business community is so crucial and we can’ t wait for next year!”
Allison Herbert, CEO of Bath BID, added,“ With so many incredible and delicious restaurants, our city has plenty to be proud of. We were eager to find a way to recognise hospitality businesses in the city. A Bath-specific restaurant week has been a brilliant opportunity to show our appreciation for these crucial establishments and to give them the space and resources to highlight their food and drink offerings and reach new customers.
“ We also wanted to give visitors and locals the chance to try new cuisines, dishes and venues, and with almost 2,000 offers downloaded, it’ s clear that they have! It is estimated that the offers were worth an equivalent of £ 33,000.
“ The Bath Waiters’ Race launch was a real highlight of the campaign, bringing together local establishments to take part in a morning of friendly competition and fun against the iconic Royal Crescent, and all cheered along by excited spectators. We’ ve also been delighted with the efforts to raise money for Hospitality Action, our charity partner for the event. Over £ 1,400 has been raised by local venues and counting!
“ If Bath BID is elected to continue, we are excited to make Bath Restaurant Week a yearly event.”
For more info: www. bathbid. co. uk
Full list of teams that took part in Bath Waiters’ Race:
Boom Battle Bar Bath Searcys at the Pump Room Robun The Beefy Boys Hampton by Hilton Bath City Brasserie Beau The Elder Bath Pizza Co The Architect Bardacious The Jane Austen Centre The Queensberry Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant Deliveroo Walcot House RWK Goodman Eat PR Labyrinth Nook & Cranny and Perk Up Coffee Good Day Café Sally Lunns Square Grill Visit Bath McDonalds Dough Pizzeria Canned Wine The Sepoy Club The Royal Crescent Hotel Bath Racecourse Sanremo
Photo credit: A number of photographers captured the day including: Beata Cosgrove Photography, Jon Taylor Photography and Suzie Sleman.
8 www. tbebathandsomerset. co. uk