2004 Big Tick winner
Big tick winner

Company of the Year for Small Companies, Example of Excellence

Bankside Restaurant

Impact on Society Award for Small Companies 2004 in association with Tomorrow's Company

Bankside Restaurant is located in Bankside, London. It specialises in fresh and affordable modern-British cuisine. All the food served is fresh and ingredients sourced from local markets wherever possible. This approach supports local businesses and is environmentally-friendly as it reduces the negative impact of transportation, packaging and freezing. The food served in the restaurant is reasonable priced making it accessible to all.

Processes

The restaurant plays a positive community role across all areas including educational initiatives; support for local charities and community groups; by being a model employer and by successfully communicating good business practice.

At weekly team meetings the employees are kept up-to-date on the aims and objectives of the company – both from a business and community perspective.

The restaurant is happy to train people up from scratch and is more interested in commitment, personality and real interest in work than in any qualifications. Specialist staff-training sessions conducted by trained external advisers address issues such as sight-deficiencies and disabilities - to ensure that staff is able to provide the best possible service to all customers.

The restaurant encourages its employees to develop and grow through a combination of in-house training, external qualifications such as NVQs, and opportunities for multi-skilling. Their commitment to the local charity Action for Blind People has raised over £10,000 this financial year.

Impact

  • Packaging and transportation are kept to a minimum by using fresh produce supplied by local markets whenever feasible. An uncomplicated seasonal menu negates the need for a freezer and reduces wastage further
  • All soft drinks and beers are on tap and water and wine are served in reusable glass bottles – reducing glass wastage by 90%. All paper and cardboard is recycled through an accredited company called Greener World, which re-utilises approximately 3,000 kg of paper waste from the restaurant per year
  • Bankside was invited to become a member of Bankside Marketing Group (which exists to promote tourist attractions in Bankside). This select group has a strict entry policy which normally excludes restaurants. However, it made an exception for Bankside Restaurant because of its positive commitment to the community
  • Financially, the company has enjoyed an annual turnover increase of 30% per year and is now intending to open a second restaurant

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