The Gastropod

Restaurant Rescue

Welcome to The Gastropod. Your restaurant is about to start working for you.

Get in touch if you need help to turn a struggling food business around, or you just want a boost or a revamp but are looking for fresh ideas.

Restaurant Consultancy
by Gemma Driver.

Help for restaurants and cafés if you’re…

Struggling to get off the ground
In need of a refresh but not sure where to start
Not as busy as you should be but not sure why
Starting a business and need guidance on menus and drinks lists
Feeling like your once-thriving business is flagging and you need help to turn it around
Spending too much and need help to trim costs or adapt the business model, without losing customers.

I can help with…

Food – menus, dishes, presentation, ingredients. Expert on vegan and ethically-sourced food; creative with meat and seafood dishes.
Drinks – wine lists, natural wine, beer, spirits, more unusual drinks (like sake), low and no alc.
Decor – small changes can make a big difference to the vibe. I can help with more radical refits too.
Staff – troubleshooting and supporting staff to deliver outstanding service, in the kitchen and front of house.
Marketing – image, voice, focus.

Why me?

I had a career as a food writer and drinks editor, I have a wine and spirits qualification, and I have an eye for interiors. I am creative and sharp, on top of latest dining trends, and even did a stint sourcing restaurants to feature in Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares.

I love helping restaurants to flourish, and I am sensitive to the fact that restaurateurs’ businesses are usually their beloved babies, so it can be hard to hear that an idea or USP you hold dear needs to be set free.

Whether you want me to assess your whole business, or just need some menu or wine list advice, get in touch and we can talk it through. Free initial consultation, and we’ll come up with a plan of action you can afford.

Based in West Sussex,
UK, but happy to travel
or communicate online.

gemma@gastrpod.co.uk
+44 (0)7964 945 331