10 Weeks Later...
Doesn't time fly when you’re having fun! My builders descended upon 244 West End Lane at the start of September and as is always the way when the builders are in, I wanted them out from about the second week.
In fairness to the free labour movement principles of our European community the boys (for there were no girls) did good and built the box into which all of our other specialist suppliers could fit their kit. I mentioned Sam Ogilvie on a previous blog. Designer, joiner and bloody talented bloke, he has delivered something rather special once more as he has done for years. We used two specialist refrigeration companies to get the counters and cold rooms (front and rear) built. These both allow display and ageing of our beef, lamb and pork as nakedly as possible. What you see is what you eat at our place. Isn't that important?
The last two weeks were pretty frantic and I felt the sense of urgency pouring through our twitter account and from interested passers-by walking down West End Lane. I have to say that I’ve been a bit overwhelmed with the welcome we’ve received from the local residents and businesses of West Hampstead. I’m feeling the love and we’re going to make sure that’s fully reciprocated.
As it all came together over the final 48 hours we took delivery of our fresh produce. We’ve continued to source our meat from the producers and suppliers that we have developed at our Hampstead shop. Much of our beef and lamb comes from London's Smithfield Market, then our free range Gloucester Old Spot pork and Blythburgh bacon from coastal Suffolk. Our free range chcikens come from a variety of specialist farms.
The crossover from build to operation is never easy but 24 hours after the builders left the site we were open. Snagging is being completed this week along with tweaks to refrigeration settings and joinery as well as the product range. Now we’re into the celebrations season, looking forward to Thanksgiving, party catering and of course the festivities of Christmas and New Year.
Thanks for having us NW6. I’m looking forward to another beautiful relationship!
