Heatoncateringequipment | Blog

18/05/2026

What Equipment Do You Need to Open a Coffee Shop?

Opening a coffee shop takes more than great coffee and friendly service. The right equipment helps improve speed, consistency, hygiene and customer experience. It also supports staff during busy periods and helps your business run more efficiently. The UK branded coffee shop market grew by 5.2% over the last 12 months, reaching 11,456 outlets nationwide. The report also found that more UK consumers are visiting coffee shops multiple times per week, showing continued demand for quality coffee and cafe experiences across the hospitality sector. Whether you are opening a small... Read More

05/05/2026

How to Create the Perfect Alfresco Dining Setup for Restaurants

Alfresco dining has become a key part of the UK hospitality scene. Research shows that 75% of UK diners want more outdoor dining options, with many actively seeking venues that offer alfresco seating during the warmer months. This behaviour has stayed consistent, making alfresco dining a reliable way to attract more guests and increase revenue. So, how can your restaurant make the most of outdoor dining? Here’s how to get it right. Why Alfresco Dining Works Outdoor dining creates a relaxed and social setting. Guests feel more at ease, which... Read More

20/04/2026

The Ultimate Indian Restaurants Tableware Guide You Need to Know

Indian restaurants are a huge part of the UK hospitality industry. In fact, there are over 10,000 Indian restaurants across the UK, making it one of the most popular cuisines nationwide. This level of competition means standing out is essential. One of the easiest ways to do that is through the right tableware, which helps improve presentation, service, and the overall customer experience. Indian cuisine is not just about flavour. It is about how dishes are presented, shared, and enjoyed at the table. The right tableware plays a key role... Read More

07/04/2026

The Best Takeaway food packaging for Street Food & Outdoor Events

Takeaway and street food demand continues to grow across the UK, especially during the summer months when outdoor events and festivals are at their busiest. Choosing the right takeaway food packaging is essential for keeping food fresh, service fast and customers satisfied. In fact, there are now over 7,000 street food vendors operating across the UK, many of which trade at festivals, markets and outdoor events, showing just how much the sector has expanded in recent years. This rapid growth is being driven by the popularity of outdoor dining, pop-ups... Read More

24/03/2026

How to Prepare Your Beer Garden for a Busy Summer

As the days get longer and temperatures rise, beer gardens across the UK come back to life. In fact, the average UK pubgoer visits a beer garden 4–5 times per month in summer. For pubs, bars and restaurants, this means one thing, preparation is everything. A well-prepared beer garden can increase footfall, boost spend per customer and improve overall experience. However, busy summer service can quickly expose weak setups. From broken glassware to slow bar service, small issues can impact both revenue and reputation. Here’s how to get your beer... Read More

10/03/2026
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How to Choose the Right Wine Glass for Your Restaurant

Wine is a key part of the dining experience in many restaurants, bars and hotels. The right wine glass can improve the aroma, flavour and presentation of the wine you serve. It also helps create a more professional table setting for your guests. Wine is extremely popular in the UK hospitality industry. According to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, the UK imports the equivalent of around 1.7 billion bottles of wine each year, making it one of the largest wine markets in the world. With wine being such an... Read More

23/02/2026

How to Prepare the Perfect Mother’s Day Brunch Menu for Cafes & Restaurants

Mother’s Day is one of the busiest dining dates in the UK hospitality calendar. Recent UK booking data shows that Mother’s Day is the second most popular date for restaurant bookings, making it one of the busiest days of the year for hospitality venues. As a result, many cafes and restaurants see a noticeable increase in bookings compared to a typical Sunday. Brunch is a strong service to focus on during this period because it attracts families, allows flexible sitting times, and helps venues maximise covers without the pressure of... Read More

Valentine's Day table setting 09/02/2026

The best Valentine’s Day Dining Tips for Restaurants

Nearly half of Brits plan to dine out on Valentine’s Day, making it one of the busiest dates in the hospitality calendar. This makes 14th February a valuable opportunity for restaurants to increase bookings, boost spend per head and attract new customers. For hospitality professionals, success on Valentine’s Day is not only about the menu. The overall experience matters just as much. Table presentation, lighting, glassware and finishing touches all play a role in creating a memorable evening that guests will want to repeat. Create a Strong First Impression with... Read More

Cutlery 27/01/2026

How to Choose the Right Cutlery for Your Venue

Choosing the right cutlery may seem like a small decision, but it plays an important role in how your venue is experienced. It affects presentation and how food feels in the hand, all of which contribute to a guest’s overall impression of a meal. In hospitality, first impressions matter, and the table setting is often one of the first things customers notice when they sit down. A well-set table can make the difference between a one-off visit and a loyal customer, highlighting how presentation influences perception from the very start... Read More

12/01/2026

The Best Bars & Beverage Trends for 2026

The bar industry moves fast. Every year brings fresh tastes, smarter service and new guest expectations. In 2026, drinks trends are about experience, flavour, inclusion and quality. Whether it’s alcohol-free serve innovation or drinks flights that invite discovery, bars need to evolve. For hospitality professionals, staying ahead means knowing what customers will be ordering and making sure your bar is set up to deliver it beautifully and efficiently. In this guide, we explore the top bar and beverage trends for 2026. We also share how the right equipment, from cocktail... Read More