Introduction
Running a tapas bar and pub has always been about creating a welcoming space for people to relax, connect, and savor something special. Over the last 23 years running our pubs and restaurants—and my 30-year journey in catering—I’ve seen this industry transform in surprising ways. As habits shift, we find ourselves adapting not just to food trends but to entirely new ways people choose to spend their time.
Our bars in Mortlake and Kingston upon Thames have built their reputations on authentic Spanish tapas, refreshing sangria, and even a few Brazilian-inspired dishes. Our goal has always been to bring the lively, shared dining experience of a tapas bar to our community—whether you’re here for a quick bite after work or a relaxed weekend evening with friends. Yet, with the rise of home entertainment and the convenience of takeaway, we face the challenge of keeping the dining-out experience fresh and inviting.
This blog is my way of reflecting on where we’ve been, sharing some insights about today’s unique challenges, and inviting you to join us as we look forward to the future. And if you’re ever in Moon Lake or Kingston upon Thames, we’d love to welcome you for a glass of sangria and a taste of Spanish and Brazilian-inspired flavors!
1. How the Pub and Restaurant Industry Has Evolved Over Three Decades
Looking back, it’s incredible how much the pub and restaurant industry has transformed. I began my career in catering about 30 years ago, during a time when pubs were the go-to place for unwinding after work or catching up with friends. Back then, pubs in the UK typically offered classic bar food—crisps, pies, and pints were standard fare. A local pub was as essential to a community as any coffee shop is today.
When we opened our tapas bars, we wanted to bring something different to the pub scene: the authentic flavors of Spanish tapas and the lively, communal style of dining that makes it so unique. Our menu offers a range of classic Spanish tapas dishes, from patatas bravas to calamari, and of course, our house-made sangria has become a signature drink. Over time, we also added Brazilian dishes like feijoada to introduce something new and unique. These dishes bring a bit of warmth and spice to the traditional pub menu, appealing to those looking for a more adventurous meal.
Fast forward to today, and our industry faces new challenges as people’s habits have changed. The convenience of food delivery apps has redefined what dining means; now, people can enjoy restaurant-quality food from their own living rooms. The “Netflix and chill” culture has affected weekday business, as has a general trend among young people to drink less alcohol. Weekends remain busy, with people still coming out to enjoy the unique social experience, but weekdays are quieter than they used to be.
Despite these changes, one thing remains constant: people will always crave spaces to gather, connect, and enjoy new flavors. Our goal now is to make our tapas bars worth leaving home for by creating a warm, lively atmosphere with flavors you won’t find elsewhere. Serving Spanish tapas and Brazilian-inspired dishes allows us to give our guests a taste of something different—a break from the everyday and a chance to enjoy an authentic culinary experience.
2. Current Challenges in the Pub and Restaurant Industry
Running a tapas bar today is a balancing act in an industry that’s evolving faster than ever. A few years ago, we could count on steady weeknight traffic from locals and regulars—people who’d stop by for a glass of sangria, a few tapas, and some downtime with friends. These days, however, we’re facing new hurdles that challenge the heart of our business: getting people to come out and stay awhile.
The rise of at-home entertainment has been a game-changer. Streaming platforms like Netflix and social media apps are becoming the new social hubs, making it easier for people to unwind without leaving their living rooms. This shift has dramatically reduced weekday foot traffic, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly choosing to stay in or order takeaway. While our weekends are still buzzing, with customers coming in for the full experience of sharing tapas and drinks with friends, our Monday and Tuesday evenings are noticeably quieter.
Another significant challenge is the growing trend toward health-conscious dining. Young people, in particular, are drinking less alcohol and seeking lighter, more flexible dining options. As a tapas bar, we’ve embraced this by offering a range of small, shareable dishes that cater to diverse tastes—from traditional Spanish tapas like gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) to fresh, plant-based options. We’ve also found that our Brazilian-inspired dishes bring an exciting, unique twist, inviting guests to step outside their comfort zone and try something different.
The industry’s current landscape is competitive, with pubs and restaurants vying not only with each other but with the allure of staying home. So, how do we keep our tapas bar compelling? By focusing on the experience. Our aim is to make our pub not just a place to eat and drink but a destination to unwind, socialize, and enjoy unique flavors in a warm, vibrant setting. Whether it’s a special sangria night or a new Brazilian-inspired dish on the menu, we’re committed to offering something that feels distinct and memorable—something that feels worth venturing out for.
3. The Importance of Feedback and Reviews: A Message to Our Customers
As a local pub and tapas bar, our relationship with customers is at the heart of what we do. Every glass of sangria poured, every tapas dish served, and every friendly conversation across the bar is part of our commitment to making sure every guest has a memorable experience. But like any business, we’re not perfect. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and in those moments, your feedback becomes essential to helping us improve.
One of the most helpful ways you can support our tapas bars is by leaving a review on platforms like Google or TripAdvisor. Whether you’ve come in to enjoy a traditional Spanish dish like patatas bravas or tried one of our Brazilian specials, sharing your experience helps others know what to expect and lets us understand what we’re doing right—or where we might need to adjust. Positive reviews help build our reputation, especially in such a competitive industry, but constructive feedback is just as important. It lets us know what we can improve, and when given directly, it gives us a chance to make things right on the spot.
We encourage guests to let us know if something isn’t quite right before leaving, so we can address it immediately. If your tapas didn’t come out as expected or if there was a delay with your drink, please tell one of our staff or send us an email. This helps us ensure every experience meets the standards we strive for, and it means we can make things right while you’re still here.
Leaving feedback in person or directly reaching out allows us to grow and improve, making every visit better than the last. We value each and every one of our customers and want to make sure that when you choose our tapas bar, you’re choosing an experience that feels welcoming, satisfying, and truly memorable.
4. The Future of the Catering Industry: Where Do We Go From Here?
The catering and hospitality industry has always evolved to meet the changing tastes and habits of its customers, but today’s shifts feel especially seismic. In recent years, we’ve adapted to rapid changes—like the rise of home delivery apps and the influence of digital entertainment on social life—that are reshaping what it means to dine out. For us, as a local pub and tapas bar, it raises a big question: where does the industry go from here?
One thing is certain: people still crave memorable experiences. While takeaways and streaming offer convenience, they can’t replicate the energy of sharing food and conversation in a lively setting. This is where we see the future for pubs like ours: creating an atmosphere that feels worth stepping away from the screens for. By offering something truly unique, like our authentic Spanish tapas, signature sangria, and Brazilian-inspired dishes, we aim to make each visit an experience guests won’t find at home.
Looking forward, we’re exploring new ways to make dining out even more inviting. This could mean adding more themed nights, such as Spanish wine tastings or Brazilian cuisine evenings, which bring fresh flavors and energy to the pub experience. It might also involve expanding our menu with more plant-based tapas options to meet evolving tastes and health preferences. The future could even include interactive dining experiences, where guests can engage more deeply with the food and drinks they’re enjoying.
As we consider these possibilities, we’d love to hear from our guests. What would make your experience at our tapas bar even better? Are there new dishes you’d like to see or ideas that could make a night out feel more exciting? The future of the catering industry is still unfolding, and we believe that listening to our community is the best way to keep moving forward.
5. A Personal Invitation: Visit Us at Mortl
ake or Kingston upon Thames
At the end of the day, our passion is about more than just food and drink—it’s about creating a place where people feel at home, whether they’re popping in for a quick bite or settling in for a long evening with friends. Our tapas bars in Moon Lake and Kingston upon Thames are spaces we’ve carefully crafted to bring the best of Spanish and Brazilian-inspired flavors to the heart of the UK.
If you’re in the area, we’d love to welcome you in to try some of our favorites, like patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo, or a freshly poured glass of our house-made sangria. And if you’re up for something different, our Brazilian dishes offer a delicious twist that you won’t find at every pub. More than anything, we hope that when you visit, you’ll experience the lively, inviting atmosphere that we’ve worked so hard to create.
Whether it’s for a weekend meal with family or a midweek catch-up with friends, our doors are open, and our staff is ready to make your visit memorable. And if you do stop by, please consider leaving a review or sharing your thoughts with us directly—your feedback helps us grow and keeps us connected to what matters most.
So, next time you’re craving an authentic tapas experience, or just want to unwind in a warm and friendly setting, we invite you to come by and say hello. We can’t wait to share our food, our sangriaaa, and our passion with you.
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