Finding where to fill in an hour or so between one meeting and the next used to be a problem until I found Carluccio's. It has everything I was looking for great breakfasts (for a refuel after that early morning meeting), the best coffee, freshly baked croissants and a simple but tasty lunch menu. One evening I even enjoyed a selection of popular opera performed by four excellent singers. But apart from the food, what really makes Carluccio's different from the other chains is the friendliness, efficiency and professionalism of their operations allied to the atmosphere and layout and, of course, the obligatory free wifi.
Why do I mention all this? Because I have just seen a summary of their latest trading figures which are by far the best of any UK restaurant group. In an industry where many are struggling to survive from excessive borrowings, discounting to maintain cash sales levels, employing poor untrained staff and offering menus with cheaper quality foods, Carluccio's accounts show success with sales up 20 per cent, profits up 19 per cent and apparently earning the highest rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
It appears I am not alone in enjoying the offerings of this success story.
PS. I am in Yorkshire next week so will use my downtime between meetings to investigate their new restaurants in York and Harrogate!