Heatoncateringequipment | Blog

05/10/2026

How to Create Cosy Restaurant Lighting for Autumn & Winter

As the evenings get darker, the right restaurant lighting can completely change how a venue feels. Research found that focal lighting, such as table lighting, against a dimmer dining environment can increase perceived ambient intimacy and influence how attractive diners find a restaurant. For restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels, lighting can therefore play an important part in the customer experience. Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons to rethink your lighting. Warm table lamps and candlelight can make a space feel cosy and welcoming. Better still, small changes can refresh... Read More

21/09/2026

How to Choose Sizzler Plates for Autumn & Winter Menus

As autumn arrives, hot and hearty dishes start returning to menus across the UK. 64% of adults in Great Britain ate a meat-centred meal out of home during the year to June 2025, with dishes such as steak remaining a key part of the market. Sizzler plates are a great way to serve these seasonal favourites, keeping food hot while creating an eye-catching presentation. From sizzling steaks and fajitas to curries and grilled vegetables, sizzler plates suit a wide range of menus. But which style should you choose for your... Read More

07/09/2026

The Best Dinner Plates for Sunday Roasts

Few dishes put a plate to the test quite like a Sunday roast. 1.28 billion roast dinners are eaten in the UK; for pubs and restaurants, that means there is still plenty of appetite for this British favourite. However, serving a great roast is not only about what comes out of the kitchen. Presentation matters too. The right large dinner plates give meat, vegetables, potatoes and Yorkshire puddings enough room. They also make service easier during a busy Sunday lunch. From classic white dinner plates to rustic stoneware, there are... Read More

24/08/2026

School Dinner Trays and Polycarbonate Tableware: A Complete Guide

School dinner trays need to cope with busy lunch services, regular washing and daily use. Therefore, choosing the right tableware matters. Almost 1.6 million infant pupils in England took a free school meal on census day in 2025/26. This highlights the scale of school meal service across the country. With so many meals being served, practical and reliable tableware can make a real difference. For schools, nurseries and education catering teams, polycarbonate is a practical choice. It is lightweight, durable and designed to handle demanding environments. Why Choose Polycarbonate Tableware... Read More

10/08/2026

How To Upgrade Your Cafe with Colourful Coffee Cups

Running a successful cafe is about more than serving great coffee. Every detail shapes the customer experience, from the atmosphere inside your venue to the cup customers carry away. 60% of UK consumers visit a coffee shop multiple times each week, showing just how competitive the market has become. When customers have so many choices, small details can help create a memorable visit. Colourful coffee cups are a simple way to add personality, brighten your counter and make every takeaway order feel more special. Whether you run an independent cafe,... Read More

27/07/2026

How to Choose the Right Glassware for Summer Cocktails

Summer is a key season for cocktails, as customers head to pubs, bars and restaurants to enjoy lighter, refreshing drinks. In fact, Aperol Spritz became Britain’s most popular cocktail in 2025. It accounted for 13.6% of cocktail spend during the third quarter of the year. For hospitality venues, great summer cocktails are not only about what goes into the drink. How you serve it matters too. The right cocktail glassware can improve presentation and help create a more memorable drinking experience. From an Aperol Spritz in a large wine glass... Read More

13/07/2026

How to Choose the Right Equipment for a Successful Summer BBQ

Summer is one of the busiest times of year for the hospitality industry. As the weather improves, pubs, hotels, restaurants, golf clubs, event venues and caterers welcome more guests looking to enjoy outdoor dining. UK consumers enjoyed more than 73 million barbecue occasions during the summer, highlighting the continued popularity of BBQ dining across the UK. For hospitality businesses, this creates an excellent opportunity to increase covers and revenue. However, success starts with having the right commercial catering equipment in place. Whether you are hosting weekly BBQ nights, private functions... Read More

29/06/2026

How to Choose the Best Tableware for Tapas Restaurants

When diners choose a tapas restaurant, they expect more than great food. They want an experience that feels social, relaxed and full of authentic character. Presentation plays a big part in creating that experience, and the right tableware can help every dish stand out. Sharing plates are becoming increasingly popular in hospitality as diners look for more variety, flexibility and sociable dining experiences. From Spanish tapas to mezze and dim sum, restaurants are embracing small plates to encourage guests to try more dishes and spend longer at the table. For... Read More

15/06/2026

How to Care for Genware Terra Porcelain Crockery

Genware Terra Porcelain crockery is a valuable investment for any hospitality business. Whether you run a restaurant, hotel, pub or cafe, your tableware plays an important role in the dining experience. Guests notice the details, and well-presented crockery helps showcase every dish at its best. However, even the most durable hospitality crockery needs proper care. Looking after your tableware can help reduce replacement costs, maintain presentation standards and extend its lifespan. According to GenWare Care Guidance, careful handling, correct stock rotation and suitable cleaning practices can help businesses gain greater... Read More

01/06/2026

How to Set Up a Hotel Buffet Breakfast: Layout, Equipment & Expert Tips

A good hotel breakfast can shape a guest’s entire stay. Breakfast remains one of the most important parts of the hotel experience for guests. Research found that 83% of travellers say having a wide breakfast selection is very important when staying at a hotel, highlighting how much guests value quality breakfast service. A well-planned buffet breakfast can improve guest satisfaction, encourage repeat bookings and boost positive reviews. However, creating a smooth and professional breakfast service takes more than simply placing food on a counter. From layout and equipment to presentation... Read More