New guide shows London’s restaurants how to boost profits by going green

The Greener Food Menu is packed with top tips and helpful links to help food and drink businesses perform at the cutting edge of green hospitality through optimum operations, better buying and savvier selling.

Renowned Patron and Executive Chef of Café Spice Namaste,  Cyrus Todiwala who launched the Greener Food Menu says:

“The Greener Food Menu is a must for London’s restaurants no matter how big or small.  In today’s business climate, all businesses need to get to grips with going green if they want to grow and succeed.  Going green is such a simple and effective recipe for success and the Greener Food Menu can support you to do just that. “

The guide is part of Greener Food - a free package of support for London's restaurants offering expert advice on cutting waste and saving money. Businesses can benefit through measures such as:

• Learning how to save up to £1000 per employee simply by reducing waste
• Saving on energy bills, food and transport costs

• Strengthening their brand through their green credentials

Many businesses have already benefited from the advice and support on offer:

Asha Urhobo, Managing Director of Stoshus Restaurant,  Holloway said:

“Greener Food has helped us plan our future. We’re reviewing our daily operations to further save energy and reduce outgoing expenses.”

Caroline Bennett, Managing Director of Moshi Moshi  said the support offered has helped them

“…know the questions to ask. Greener Food is a ‘one stop shop’ for information at a time when being green is more than a growing trend, it is part of what a business is expected to do.”

Samantha Heath, Director of London Sustainability Exchange who leads the project, said:

“We have found that food and drink businesses are embracing ‘green’ issues more and more. Greener Food has been developed to provide support, answer the questions and meet the needs these businesses have.”

Businesses can sign up to Greener Food by phoning or e-mailing Janice Ansine on 020 7234 9406  /j.ansine@lsx.org.uk.or by visiting www.lsx.org.uk

ENDS

For more information and for photographs please contact:

Janice Ansine, Greener Food / London Sustainability Exchange/  Stand A64 – The Restaurant Show, Earls Court 2

Mobile: 07708 708213; Office: 0207 234 9406; Email: j.ansine@lsx.org.uk

or

Jane Mulholland, London Sustainability Exchange; Tel: 0207 234 9403; Mobile: 07801 357414; E-mail: j.mulholland@lsx.org.uk

Notes to editors

1.  Greener Food is led by London Sustainability Exchange and funded by the London  Development Agency. It works across London with hospitality businesses (restaurants,  hotels, pubs, takeaways, cafes, community centres, etc) and will continue until March  2009. The benefits include: Getting free, on-site advice on how to cut costs and boost  profits and reputation through simple, painless changes; advice on sourcing local,  seasonal food; personalised business consultation and ongoing support and advice;  gaining independent recognition of your efforts from Greener Food.
2. Cyrus Todiwala of Café Spice Namaste is a highly acclaimed restaurant serving  pan-Asian cuisine. Mr. Todiwala is a keen environmentalist and applies Greener Food  principles to his own restaurant.
3.  A recent survey by Beacon revealed that although 52% of hotels, bars, restaurants  clubs and other leisure operators have taken steps to reduce their energy consumption  in the last 12 months, nearly two thirds still believe there is not enough support or  information available to advise on and promote environmentally friendly practices  (source: Beacon purchasing).
4. The latest survey of restaurants serving international cuisine reports that 25% of  consumers who visit would like to see more healthy menu options featuring fresh, local  ingredients – Mintel: Ethnic Restaurants and Takeaways – UK, June 2006.
5. The Restaurant Show runs from 8-10th October 2007 at Earls Court 2
6. London Sustainability Exchange provides organisations and networks of individuals with  the motivation, knowledge, and connections they need to put sustainability into  practice. Website: http://www.lsx.org.uk/

7. Photograph: Alistair Dow alistairdow@hotmail.com