Pop-up restaurants

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Posted at 5:00PM, 04 February 2010 by Mary Cadogan - Food writer

I'm sure by now you will have heard about pop-up restaurants, the latest foodie craze to sweep the country. Bistros are popping up in livings rooms everywhere as food lovers open their homes for clandestine dining. Sofas are relegated to bedrooms and replaced with tables and chairs, or more likely, garden furniture, stools or trestles covered with sheets.

Maybe it's the slightly underground nature of these one-off restaurants that is so appealing, or the chance to eat really good food in relaxed surroundings at recession-busting prices; diners are often asked to pay what they think is a fair price, or charged about £25 plus wine - an amazing bargain if the food is good. And as the atmosphere is usually relaxed and friendly, with everyone sharing tables, it's a perfect chance to meet new people.

So for all these reasons I've decided to have a go myself. We have a big salon which I reckon will seat 20 people in comfort, and all the props for food shoots that I have been collecting over the last few years will be pressed into service. I have enough tables, chairs, cutlery, plates and glasses for everyone, and all the vintage linen sheets I've been collecting will make gorgeous tablecloths. My good friend Dawn will be front of house while I do the cooking and husband Mick looks after the wine.

Have I got enough coffee cups? Will the sofa be OK overnight in the garden?

I sent out invites and menus to those who had attended my day courses, plus every friend I could think of who lives within a 50km radius, and within 24 hours I was fully booked. Since then my head has been buzzing day and night. Have I chosen the right menu? Will I be able to get it all cooked on time and to perfection? Have I got enough coffee cups? Will the sofa be OK overnight in the garden under a tarpaulin?

It's one thing to invite friends for supper, and quite another when you are charging them for the pleasure. Everything must be absolutely right or I'll know about it, I'm sure. I must confess I have never had ambitions to open a restaurant on a permanent basis, but have always wondered what it would be like. I know it's going to be very hard work but will it be worth it? I'll have to wait and see, but I promise I'll let you know.

Comments

Chris Brack

5 February 2010, 8:42AM
Chris Brack

Well done on taking on the challenge I am sure it will be a great success. I wouldnt be too worried if everything is not absolutely perfect-these days we get too caught up with perfection and being the best. I would say its more important for your guests to know you are relaxed and enjoying the evening and I am sure the food will be fab. Good luck with it.

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JANET

5 February 2010, 9:50AM
JANET

I have mixed feelings about these "restaurants". When official restaurants are struggling having obeyed all the food hygiene laws etc. paying staff, insurance rent etc. I feel uncomfortable about people getting a cheap meal elsewhere. However I can also understand people like Mary wanting to see how they perform in a scenario like this and it could be quite fun (and stressful). Howabout donating any profits to charity?

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Cassandra Amy Rose

5 February 2010, 7:23PM
Cassandra Amy Rose

Go for it and GOOD LUCK!

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Kelly=)

6 February 2010, 11:38AM
Kelly=)

I think you're brave. Or mad! =) I manage a family run Cafe and have been for 9 years and I it IS hard work. It can make you tear your hair out and then it can make you skip around on a high, just be ready for it all and you will be fine!!! I would NEVER open my HOME to some one so I really respect what you are doing! Dinner parties are great fun but serving the public is COMPLETELY different so don't be fooled! GOOD LUCK and smile the whole way through and you WILL succeed.

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Mary Cadogan

6 February 2010, 2:54PM
Mary Cadogan

More mad than brave, I think! I know that the timings have got the be right, each plate must look perfect and taste great and the atmosphere just right. I will remember to smile though and am seriously looking forward to the challenge. I think after this experience at the very least I will have an even greater respect for chefs who do this day in day out.

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steveinstaffs

7 February 2010, 8:37AM
steveinstaffs

Well done Mary what a great idea. I have to smile when people (Janet) suggest that profits should be donated to charity. If you make any profit you deserve to have it. Im sure this will be very hard work and wish you every success and Janet if you want to make donations to charity why dont you instead of going to expensive retaurants go round to Mary,s and the money you and your friends save donate to charity ? (only a suggestion) Good luck Mary

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oldmonk

8 February 2010, 5:30PM
oldmonk

Well done Mary. Looks and sounds fab. Myself and a few freinds are settling up a pop up restauant in Newcastle. Our next big event is in march> i would love to hear an advice you have for us especailly what to so when you guest arrive. Please feel free to see our website www.thenextbigevent.net We are keen to network with people like you. Tess

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Mary Cadogan

8 February 2010, 6:07PM
Mary Cadogan

I've been advised to make sure the guests are given something to eat and drink as soon as they arrive. I'm serving a welcome cocktail and there will be home made nibbles on each table. More advice will follow after the event, no doubt! Good luck with your pop-up and let me know how it goes.

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angels Delights

11 February 2010, 4:07PM
angels Delights

Well done Mary, it will be hard and it will be a challenge ,I have cooked for and managed restaurants for many years, the smaller ones seem more successful. Make your menu simple but pleasing on the eye, with a standby for the unexpected. good luck

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Good Food

27 February 2010, 10:57AM
Good Food

I have also got the urge to have a pop up restaurant but do not know where I would stand regarding public liability insurance or hygien regulations, does anyone know ?

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yukiskitchen

8 March 2010, 9:41AM
yukiskitchen

I am doing Japanese pop up restaurant in London! I am a professional chef. You do not have worry about hygiene and I have insurance etc.please contact us if you are interested in! I will give you some menu. I also teaching Japanese food at home. Check my website! www.yukiskitchen.com

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Patricia

21 March 2010, 12:45PM
Patricia

I'm glad to say it was a success. The food was great - imaginative, tasty and beautifully served. The atmosphere was great; you quite forgot you were in someone's sitting room. Service also excellent. Compliments to the chef and her team.

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SouffleeQueen

19 September 2011, 6:41PM
SouffleeQueen

Me and my Father are planning to host one but does anyone know how we can get guests we don't really want to invite people we don't know! Many thanks

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SouffleeQueen

19 September 2011, 6:42PM
SouffleeQueen

Scrap that! We WANT to invite people we don't know! How can we get to them?

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Norm Hall

15 November 2011, 10:58PM
Norm Hall

http://thefirstfloorsupperclub.weebly.com/

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