The vogue for European-style tablecloths and napkins is slowly creeping out the back doors of restaurants, and nowadays, a sign of decent grub is not first signalled by a sharply pressed tablecloth. With minimalism playing a key part in the creation of uber-chic spaces, in what direction should linen companies be heading?
Jonathan Harris, operations development expert at restaurant creation company, Tribe, is involved first-hand in the design process.
“In the last few years, operators have seen that the removal of linens from the restaurant allows for greater efficiency when running it,” he explains. “It improves table turn-times, and also removes the need to change linen mid-service.”
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Harris is still enthusiastic about its use in the classic, fine-dining venue, but does admit: “Linen has not necessarily kept up at the same pace as restaurant design over the past years. Many hotel suppliers offer a standard line of products which can be plain and predictable, and in order to develop custom linen to complement design, there is a significant investment and upkeep figure due to wear and tear.
“Undressed tables offer designers even greater scope to introduce new and innovative products that further enhance their designs and remain consistent throughout a restaurant’s lifespan. If a restaurant opens with custom designed tableware, often replacement falls by the wayside due to budget constraints, and standard linens are procured at less cost, but compromise the design integrity.
“However, linen is often used as accent items within the design, such as at Sublime, Dubai, where coloured napkins follow the interior colour scheme to complement it.”
Farah Aslam, managing director at Dubai-based Dimara International is excited about the future of the table linen department in her company.
“Our clients are now interested in things that will make their venue stand apart from the rest. We have incorporated minimalist concepts into the table linen, and darker tones. White is certainly passé unless it actually has woven jacquard designs that incorporate other tones, or has a fabric composition of linen as opposed to cotton.
“Today’s patron would rather dine with less clutter. The traditional tablecloths have become a rare find, and restaurants are able to do with distinct placemats and table runners.”
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Tel: +91 809 400 8094
Web: www.linenwalas.com
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