Commercial Kitchen Show 2016

PRESS RELEASE: COMMERCIAL KITCHEN SHOW 2016

7-8th June 2016 – NEC, Birmingham

Visit R H Hall Foodservice Solutions on Stand J34 to see the latest products and innovations from our Exclusive Key Brands!

We have a number of complimentary passes available for the show – contact us for yours!

We will be showcasing the exclusive New Covent Garden Soup Server - A world first from the UK’s No. 1 Chilled Soup Brand. The New Covent Garden Soup Server offers fresh tasting soup anywhere, anytime! Fully automatic and easy to use, earn profit from day one with this complete, innovative, soup serving solution!

The Soup Server will also be taking part in the Innovation Challenge – visit us to see the machine in action, before casting your vote on Tuesday 7th June. We are counting on visitor votes to get us in to the Top 10 – to be in with a chance of an official award from the judging panel!

Representing the best selling Smeg range of Foodservice Ovens is the brand new ALFA140UK – with a 4x 1/1 GN capacity, all on a 13 amp plug! Smeg are already the choice of a number of leading UK Operators and our Food Solutions team will be demonstrating the fantastic cooking results available.

In addition, we will be demonstrating the quality and versatility that we can offer with our diverse Exclusive brand portfolio – with Crown Verity Professional BBQ Systems, Sharp Microwaves, Simply Stainless Modular Fabrications and the Award Winning Maestrowave Combi Chef 7! Our Trade Sales team will be on hand to discuss your requirements.

WIN!!! All show visitors registering their interest in our products on Stand J34 will be entered into our Prize Draw and a chance to win a best-selling Smeg ALFA43UK Oven!!!*

For more details please visit www.rhhall.com
or contact the R H Hall Sales Team – 01296 663400 or sales@rhhall.com

R H Hall are the Exclusive UK Distributor for Sharp Commercial Microwaves, Maestrowave Catering Equipment, Smeg Foodservice Ovens, Simply Stainless Modular Fabrications, Crown Verity Professional Barbecue Systems and the New Covent Garden Soup Server

*The winner will be drawn at random after the show and will be contacted by Friday 10th June 2016.

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY 

T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

British BBQ Battle 2016: Finalists Announced!

BRITISH BBQ BATTLE 2016: Finalists Announced!

8 finalists have now been accepted to compete in the 5th annual British BBQ Battle, which will be held at the prestigious Blenheim Palace in 2016.
The chefs competing to win the title of British BBQ Battle champion 2016 are:

Leisure & Contract Caterers:

• Logan Lloyd - Baxterstorey
• Simon Rapkin – Food Events Ltd

Pubs, Bars & Restaurants:

• Phillip Hunt – Marston’s Inns & Taverns
• Dave Alebon - Stonegate

Universities:

• Ash Spencer – Westminster Kingsway College
• Martin Wheeler – University of Reading

Hotels:

• Gerald Quadros – The Lensbury
• Martin Baker – Ston Easton Park

The finalists have had to submit a description of a 3-course meal that can all be prepared on a BBQ and that they can cook within the specified 1 hour time frame at the final event.

The chefs will be cooking their dishes on Crown Verity BBQ’s supplied by UK exclusive distributor for the brand, R H Hall. All dishes cooked will include at least one Lion sauce from the choice of BBQ, hot sauces, salsas and chutneys, mustards, mayonnaise and dressings. These dishes will then be handed over to our expert panel of judges – Ben Bartlett, BBQ Champion & President of the British BBQ Association; Bill Verity, President of Crown Verity; Gareth Finney, 2015 BBQ Battle Champion and Jim Eaves of the British Culinary Foundation.
On the day, Ben Bartlett and his co-judges will be scoring the chefs not only on the taste and appearance of their final dishes, but for BBQ cooking techniques too. So the heat will be on!

All 8 finalists will be rewarded with a Sharp Commercial Microwave, Smeg Mixer, Simply Stainless Professional Chef’s table and exclusive British BBQ Battle chef’s whites. The overall winner will also walk away with a top of the range Crown Verity BBQ and accessories pack, plus £100 One4All vouchers. All prizes, worth over £15,000 are kindly provided by leading foodservice equipment supplier RH Hall (along with their co-sponsors Crown Verity, Sharp, Smeg, Simply Stainless and Lion Sauces) who are the exclusive distributor in the UK for Crown Verity, Sharp and Simply Stainless. They will also receive a full set of Lion Sauces and BBQ utensils.

New for 2016 will be The People’s Vote – allowing guests at the event to select their
favourite chef of the day – on whatever criteria they choose!

If you are interested in attending the final and seeing the live cook-off and demonstrations
by Ben Bartlett, then contact emma.smith@rhhall.com, visit www.britishbbqbattle.co.uk, or
follow the event on twitter: #bbqbattle

Notes for editors

This is the 5th year of the British BBQ Battle. Main competition sponsors since the first BBQ
Battle are RH Hall, Crown Verity, Sharp and Simply Stainless – with Lion Sauces joining the
growing event in 2014 and Smeg Foodservice in 2015

2015 Winners:

Overall BBQ Battle winner: Gareth Finney of the Albion Taverna

Gareth’s winning menu:

Starter

Jazzy Barbecued Scallops

Main

Delicious Mexican Lamb

Dessert

Sweet Gooey Burritos

2015 Category Winners
Hotel category: David Hart, Mandeville Hotel
Pub category: Gareth Finney, The Albion Taverna
University category: Mathew Shropshall, College of Food
Golf Club & Event Catering category: Mark Williamson, Sodexo

For more information visit:
www.britishbbqbattle.co.uk / www.rhhall.com / www.crownverity.com /
www.lionsauces.co.uk

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY 

T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Cedabond Awards 2016

SALES DIRECTOR KRIS BREARLEY TAKES HOME THE BOB McNAB CHARITY SHIELD!

14th April 2016 saw the St Georges Park Hilton host the Cedabond Awards, where R H Hall Sales Director, Kris Brearley, was presented with the Bob McNab Charity Shield – awarded for Kris’ recent charity work. Kris completed the 25K Thames Path Challenge in September 2015 – along with his wife Jacqui – raising a total of almost £4000 for Cancer Research UK.

The award was presented by Phil Martin, Cedabond Chairman and Executive Director.
He explains why Kris was selected for this prestigious award… “Every year the board of
directors look at both our members and suppliers to look for an individual or company
that have made a contribution to charity. The Bob McNab Charity Shield is named after a
former Chairman of CEDA and Cedabond, who – with his wife – raised thousands of pounds
to help children in Russia.

This year many people were nominated, but it was felt that Kris not only helped raise the money for Cancer Research, but was also having treatment for cancer himself. It was the easiest decision we have made to give Kris the award.”

Following his win, Kris was shocked and humbled, having had no idea he had been chosen…“I am incredibly grateful and honoured to have been presented with this award! The Thames Path Challenge was a way for me to pay back and raise funds for Cancer Research, following the fantastic treatment and incredible team I have experienced during my ongoing treatment. A big thank you to all who nominated me for this award, my generous sponsors and my wife and team-mate Jacqui.”

Congratulations Kris!

R H Hall are approved Cedabond suppliers and wholesaler for over 100 market leading foodservice brands.

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY 

T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Light Catering Equipment - May 2016

LIGHT CATERING EQUIPMENT FEATURE- OOH MAY 2016

What items of light catering equipment are essential?

It really can be a mine field to decide what equipment to choose out of the hundreds of brands and variations of equipment available. It really depends on your type of operation, the throughput and staffing levels – there’s no point in having lots of individual pieces of kit if they are going to sit on a shelf for the majority of the time!

As a starting point, we would suggest that a Combination microwave oven (such as the Maestrowave Combi Chef 7) which is extremely versatile and can perform a number of multiple tasks in one easy to use unit is one essential. For more details on the benefits of combination microwave cooking – see our online video by visiting www.rhhall.com

Couple this with the addition of an induction hob for further instant heat plus certain specific complementary pieces that can spread the workload such as Panini grills, slicers, rice cookers and soup kettles that can perform individual tasks with ease can all be essential depending on the type of operation and menu offered.

What are the advantages of using light catering equipment (power saving, efficiency etc) over ovens etc?

Light duty equipment is often compact and relatively inexpensive, particularly useful where caterers have limited budgets or want to try out a new menu offering before investing in expensive kit. Most light duty items are also plug and go – operating from just a 13 amp socket, meaning low running costs and good energy efficiency.

What should caterers consider before buying new equipment?

Equipment that is multi-functional and versatile is ideal and where space is at a premium, units with a small footprint can help save valuable space – as can those that can stack, one on top of the other. It may seem fundamental, but consider the footprint of some equipment in comparison to their potential output. The Combi Chef 7 has a small counter top footprint and can be stacked one on top of the other – so you can save on space yet double the output. 

Many cheaper imports are flooding into the UK and it can be tempting to go down this route, but unknowingly to many, a lot of this equipment doesn’t have any product conformity standards and the back-up of a full warranty. So when purchasing, I would recommend operators to go for a well-known brand - guaranteed quality doesn't cost you more! 

Regardless of size or duty, sturdy manufacture is a ‘must’ and this is what you get by choosing a well-known brand - anything else won’t perform or last. Choose a leading brand with an established reputation for good quality, durability and reliability. These brands usually build in great operational features too, which should always be considered.

Should caterers look for companies with a long history of products? Or is it worth gambling on the latest innovations?

New products are always hitting the market, and whilst some of these will stand the test of time, it is always worth considering brands with a proven track record of reliable, established products and services. Consider the availability of any spare parts or warranty call outs, along with conformity standards. Choosing a well known brand with guaranteed quality shouldn’t cost you more – and companies are always looking for ways to incorporate the latest technology and innovations – so you shouldn’t lose out!

What kind of warranties should caterers look out for?

Commercial equipment should come with a minimum of a 1 year warranty, with spare parts and service readily available. Some equipment comes with a warranty of 3 years or more! Once the product is outside of its manufacturer warranty period, consider the cost of the equipment and whether it is economical to look at an on-going maintenance contract, or if it would be more cost effective to replace the machine if any issues occurred.

What one tip would you offer someone who is investing in light catering equipment?

Look at your menu offering and ensure that the equipment chosen meets the needs of your menu now, but also importantly consider any future developments. Ensure all staff are fully trained to use the equipment to its full potential and also in any regular cleaning/maintenance to ensure it is performing at its best.

Please include a definitive website address where readers can go for more info on your company. www.rhhall.com www.maestrowave.com

R H Hall are the Sole Worldwide Distributor for the Maestrowave range of Catering Equipment.

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY 

T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

BBQ Food & Equipment - May 2016

BARBECUE FOOD AND EQUIPMENT: TUCO MAY 2016

When is the best time to start planning a barbecue menu?

Whilst it may not be until the weather starts warming up that caterers start to think about firing up the barbecue and taking their menu outside, to ensure the Great British Summer is maximised planning should take place early. Allow time to provide a reasonable budget to purchase any new equipment required and look at the best potential dates to offer an outdoor menu. The early months can often be a quieter period, following a busy festive season, providing the perfect opportunity to consider future endeavours and investments!

Should this be a one-off event or a regular menu during the warmer months?

Cooking outdoors can become a regular feature during the Spring and Summer months, and perhaps even further with the right equipment! Barbecue menus can provide a great focus for special events such as bank holidays, but can also provide a great source of extra income every weekend. Few can resist the smell of a barbecue on a summer afternoon and university caterers can offer a simple barbecue menu without a great deal of expense or planning, providing they have the right equipment in place.

Aside from the usual barbecue foods like burgers, what can caterers cook on the barbecue?

Traditional barbecue foods such as burgers, sausages and steaks will always be a hit with students and very few will be able to resist the smell of a barbecue on a summer afternoon. The Crown Verity MCB range includes models capable of cooking anything from 210 – 560 burgers per hour, with a grill to suit to output of any user!

However, events such as the British BBQ Battle – now in its 5^th year – demonstrate that Barbecue cooking need not be restricted to food served in a bun! Chefs from across the industry have been able to turn out very impressive 3 course menu’s year after year and with a little bit of creative thinking venues can offer exciting menu options to appeal to a wide range of customers. Past BBQ Champion, Ben Bartlett, regularly demonstrates innovative ways to spice up your BBQ menu – Follow him on Twitter - @bbqben1 – for the latest news.The Crown Verity range of Professional Barbecue systems includes a wide range of accessories such as griddles, steam pans and additional side burners to allow a vast and varied menu.

What essential barbecue equipment do universities need in order to cater for such large numbers?

For any outdoor cooking set up, the most important piece of equipment to get right is the Barbecue itself! First and foremost, university caterers should ensure that they are purchasing truly commercial equipment. Many domestic barbecues look the part, but will not last or be able to recover quickly during a busy service. Look for a Barbecue that uses commercial grade stainless steel (be wary that many domestic models use stainless steel but are of light duty construction) and also check out the grid racks - stainless steel work much better than coated ones that invariably chip and flake off in time. Look for good portability as many barbecues have poorly constructed wheels. Importantly, ensure the product comes with a full commercial warranty. Some have a lifetime guarantee! Remember that you would not buy a domestic cooker for your commercial kitchen so apply the same thought process for your outdoor Barbecue.

Provided some sort of outdoor area is available, any establishment can quickly and easily set up a barbecue for use almost immediately. Charcoal and Gas options are available, with gas options using portable gas cylinders. Operators should also consider some kind of portable hand wash station and also prep/serving areas to avoid constant back & forth to the main kitchen. The Crown Verity range includes both simple charcoal barbecues and versatile, portable gas options. Also available in the CVEHS hand wash station and the range can easily be paired with Simply Stainless Modular Fabrication to create a complete outdoor kitchen!

With the Crown Verity Professional Barbecue range, operators can either create their own BBQ Station by combining a barbecue with prep areas, refrigeration and even branding – or look at ready made options, such as the MBI80 which includes a 36” barbecue with side burner and storage

www.rhhall.com, www.crownverity.com or our You Tube channel for videos showing the versatility of the Crown Verity range.

R H Hall are the Exclusive UK Distributor for the Crown Verity range of Professional Barbecue Systems.

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY 

T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Caffe Culture 2016 Preview

CAFFE CULTURE 2016 PREVIEW – TUCO MAY 2016

Visit R H Hall Foodservice Solutions on Stand A14 to see the latest product innovations!

We will be showcasing the brand new New Covent Garden Soup Server - A world first from the UK’s No. 1 Chilled Soup Brand. The New Covent Garden Soup Server offers fresh tasting soup anywhere, anytime! Fully automatic and easy to use, earn profit from day one with this complete, innovative, soup serving solution!

In addition, we will be showing the latest products from our Key Brand portfolio, including the Smeg Foodservice range of Commercial Ovens. The Smeg range are already the choice of a number of leading UK Operators, so visit us to discuss the wide range of models available.

For more details please visit www.rhhall.com

or contact the R H Hall Sales Team – 01296 663400 or sales@rhhall.com

R H Hall are the Exclusive UK Distributor for the Smeg Foodservice range of Commercial Ovens and the New Covent Garden Soup Server.

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY 

T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com

Commercial Kitchen Show 2016 Preview

COMMERCIAL KITCHEN SHOW 2016 PREVIEW – EDUCATERING MAY 2016

Please attribute any quotes to Kris Brearley, Sales Director, R H Hall

Visit R H Hall Foodservice Solutions on Stand J34 to see the latest products and innovations from our Exclusive Key Brands!

We will be showcasing the brand new New Covent Garden Soup Server - A world first from the UK’s No. 1 Chilled Soup Brand. The New Covent Garden Soup Server offers fresh tasting soup anywhere, anytime! Fully automatic and easy to use, earn profit from day one with this complete, innovative, soup serving solution!

In addition, we will be demonstrating the quality and versatility that we can offer with our diverse Exclusive brand portfolio – with Crown Verity Professional BBQ Systems, Sharp Microwaves, Smeg Foodservice Ovens, Simply Stainless Modular Fabrications and the Award Winning Maestrowave Combi Chef 7! Our Trade Sales team will be on hand to discuss your requirements.

For more details please visit www.rhhall.com

or contact the R H Hall Sales Team – 01296 663400 or sales@rhhall.com

R H Hall are the Exclusive UK Distributor for Sharp Commercial Microwaves, Maestrowave Catering Equipment, Smeg Foodservice Ovens, Simply Stainless Modular Fabrications, Crown Verity Professional Barbecue Systems and the New Covent Garden Soup Server

R H Hall, Hallco House, Beacon Court, Pitstone Green Business Park, Pitstone, Beds, LU7 9GY 

T: 01296 663400 F: 01296 663401 E: sales@rhhall.com W: www.rhhall.com