Running a restaurant in Central London is a bit like juggling flaming pans while balancing a soufflé – chaotic, stressful, and always one mishap away from disaster. At Le Petit Sage in Soho, we’ve built our name on fresh, seasonal cooking. But last summer, things almost fell apart.
The Day Our Fridges Failed Us
It was mid-August, muggy beyond belief, and the lunch rush was in full swing. Head Chef Dominic was orchestrating the kitchen when our porter ran in, pale as flour:
“Chef… the walk-in fridge is gone.”
Gone. Dead. Finished. Herbs wilted in minutes, cod fillets sweated like marathon runners, and the steaks set aside for dinner service were close to spoiling. We were minutes away from closing the doors and turning 80 customers away.
Choosing Cold Room Installation in London
We knew quick fixes wouldn’t cut it – we needed a long-term solution. Within a week, we contacted a trusted provider for cold room installation in London.
From the very first site visit, their team understood our needs. Our kitchen isn’t massive, but our fresh produce turnover is high. They designed a cold room that maximised our limited space, with separate zones for meat, dairy, and veg – all kept at their ideal temperatures without the “Jenga fridge” chaos we’d been battling.
The full installation, including fittings and shelving, came in just under £20,000. For a Soho restaurant, it was a big investment – but one that’s already proven invaluable.
Why It’s Been Our Best Investment Yet
- Reduced Wastage: Before, we lost hundreds each week to spoiled produce – rocket turning soggy, berries turning mushy, chicken thrown out for safety. Now wastage is almost zero.
- Efficiency Boost: Dominic estimates he saves at least 10 minutes per service not digging through crammed fridges. Across six weekly services, that time quickly adds up.
- Better Quality: Fish from Billingsgate stays pristine all day. Herbs from Covent Garden remain fresh and aromatic all week.
The Unexpected Perks
It’s not just about food. Staff love it too. On scorching days, our KP Adeel sneaks into the cold room to cool off – calling it his personal “Narnia,” minus the snow queens.
Would We Recommend It?
Absolutely. The team were professional, fast, and genuinely cared about building the right solution for us – not just selling a unit. Our cold room has safeguarded our reputation, improved efficiency, and saved us thousands in food costs.
If your fridges are bursting or you’re throwing away produce faster than you can serve it, it’s time to rethink your setup. Investing in a cold room installation in London was the coolest and smartest decision we’ve made at Le Petit Sage.
