Scottish tasting menu
Where: Workshop Coffee Co., Clerkenwell Road, London
Website: www.wildgameco.co.uk
Twitter: @wildgameco
The idea: Eight course tasting menu featuring Highlands produce including haggis with horseradish and potato skins, Earl Grey salmon gravlax and red braised spring pigeon.
How it works: Named after Scottish produce hotspot Struie Road, the event costs £49 per person and includes a complimentary cocktail on arrival. After the dinner, guests are given a goodie bag featuring Balblair whisky, gin, workshop coffee and voucher for free sides at the restaurant.
Marketing: Advertised on social media, Wild Game Co website and events sites.
Preparation: Meat is butchered by Wild Game Co. founder Andy Waugh’s father’s business north of Inverness.
Pay-off: Showcases Scottish produce and Wild Game Co concept, engages customers with new cuisine.
Key benefits: Wild Game Co. founder Andy Waugh says: “It’s a great way to try out new recipes and concepts – there is little risk for either Workshop of ourselves and we both take positive experiences from it.”
Advice: Experiment with flavours and new recipes.
Best outcome: Waugh adds: “I’ve grown up with the guys we get our produce from and I love it – it’s a pleasure to be proud of the ingredients we use. It would be great to see more people in the UK using Highland produce more often.”
Speed vaping night
Where: The Hoxton, Shoreditch
Website: www.thehoxton.com
Twitter: @TheHoxtonLDN
The idea: Shake up the traditional speed-dating format by bringing single vape enthusiasts together to meet like-minded potential matches.
How it works: Hosted by e-cig company Blu, singles were asked to congregate at four flavour-themed vaping stations; cherry, menthol, classic tobacco and NRG. Entry is free of charge and open to guests aged 24-25.
Marketing: Secured partnership with lifestyle website London On The Inside who assisted in promoting the event on their website and on social media channels.
Preparation: Dating expert James Greece was hired to host the event.
Pay-off: Blu UK chief executive Jacob Fuller said: “It was great to see popular lifestyle publications talking about the unique event and encouraging attendance.”
Key benefits: He added: “It was a fun way to introduce people to the product and Blu’s flavours whilst encouraging them to bond over something they discovered they have in common.”
Advice: Advertise locally to ensure a good audience. Make it clear what vaping is and ensure that the crowd is current smokers and vapers over the age of 18.
Best outcome: Fuller said: “The very best outcome would be if attendees find their perfect match at the event – here’s hope that happens. Otherwise the best outcome is that smokers and vapers come along, enjoy a relaxed evening and discover great taste and great company.”