Outdoor innovations

If you are looking for something different to boost your al fresco dining ffer then why not consider offering a cook-at-the-table concept.

Inspired by Ashley Bent, licensee of the Bell Inn, Tanworth in Arden, and businessman Ian Kelly, Plancha is derived from the traditional Spanish approach to eating, where food is grilled collectively on a metal plate and enjoyed by all sitting around it.

Having experienced this style of dining on trips to Spain, Bent realised the potential in taking the idea to the UK market. With the backing of Ian Kelly, along with his established pool of manufacturing contacts in China, Bent¹s vision became a reality.

The Plancha product is very simple. Wooden or stone tables are available in a variety of designs and sizes, each with a gas-powered cooking plate in the centre, which are ready for cooking just minutes after lighting.

Provided with plates of raw ingredients, from fish and meat to vegetables or even fruit, customers sit around the table and grill as little or as much of what they like.

Bent says: "The novelty of customers cooking food themselves will not only impress guests but will also reduce chef and service requirements without impacting on customer satisfaction. It really is a win win product"

The product is supplied through LPG supplier, Calor. Plancha is available in four sizes, from the Plancha Lite for cosy dinners for two, to the six foot diameter Plancha Grand which seats parties of eight to ten. The tables run on Calor LPG cylinders.

The product is available at Calor online at www.bbq.co.uk​ or call Calor on freephone 0800 626626 for your nearest appliance outlet.