We know summer isn’t over just yet, but we have to admit, so far this has got to be the best summer ever in the UK!!!
Not only have we had months of glorious sunshine (although being typical Brits, we like to complain that maybe it’s just a tad ‘too hot!’) we have also had two major sporting events that have brought the nation together – The World Cup and Wimbledon.
Even if you’re not a football fan, you must have been caught up in the whole ‘It’s Coming Home’ buzz in some way or other. Whether you hosted a BBQ, watched it in your local pub or soaked up the atmosphere (and rays) in a beer garden – the World Cup brought the nation together. The weather was also a massive bonus.
And of course, there was Wimbledon, which takes over the streets of London for two glorious weeks in July. Walking around the city, bars and restaurants feature Wimbledon-themed menus teamed with strawberry cocktails and lavish afternoon teas. And the displays, London goes all out with its quirky and create tennis-themed displays (we’ve seen balls in some questionable places, but also in some strategically beautiful places, such as the below dish from The Sanderson!!)
All of this has been a blessing for the hospitality market, as people want to spend more time socialising outdoors, flocking to their locals or to a restaurant they’ve spotted on Instagram to try their ‘themed menu’. Beer gardens and roof-top terraces have never been so packed! We’ve even spotted bars and restaurants adding extra seating outside their front doors, catering for people who crave Al-Fresco dining or who want to enjoy an after work cocktail, basking in the last of the days rays.
Our advice to restaurants, bars and hotels: make the most of it. This ‘heat wave’ is predicted to last the rest of the summer!
Glassware is always a hot topic this time of year. We often get asked ‘what is the best glassware to use for outdoor events?’ A lot of customers are complaining about disposable plastic cups. Let’s be honest, a refreshing gin and tonic, complete with a bitter wedge of lemon and a satisfyingly perfect sprig of rosemary, doesn’t have the same impact when you serve it in a disposable plastic cup. It’s a bit of an anti-climax don’t you think? When so much effort has been put into the presentation of the drink, it needs a beautiful glass to complement the look. It’s all part of the customers experience.
We can hear you ask…but don’t we have to serve it in a plastic cup if its outdoors? Yes, that’s correct, when serving outdoors, you have to use plastic drinkware for safety purposes but also because you don’t want to ruin your beautiful every-day glassware – that would be costly!! However, this doesn’t mean that disposable plastic cups are the only option!
Always on the lookout for the next big thing, we have found a polycarbonate drinkware brand that not only looks and feels just like glass but it is also super durable and can be re-used as it is dishwasher safe. It is the perfect balance between weight, clarity, elegance and durability. It’s also available in a variety of shapes, so you can serve your beautifully concocted cocktails in a classy cocktail glass!
We cannot recommend this brand enough for outdoor use. Because it is so durable and virtually unbreakable, you can re-use every summer and keep your more expensive glassware for indoors. It’s the perfect entertainer. This range is also ideal for spas and room service too and is already being used in the world’s most prestigious hotels and cruise lines.
It’s time to ditch the ugly disposable plastic cups and enjoy the last couple of months of the summer in style! Shop our Strahl brand here. If you would like more information call our team on 0844 334 5232 or email [email protected]
Until next time, keep enjoying the sunshine! We’re off to our local beer garden, we’re craving a refreshing G & T after writing this blog…
