Business Profile
RESTAURANT entrepreneur Richard Hayman (pictured) is the man behind one of Newbury’s most successful and longest standing independent restaurants, the Madagascan Gin Palace, which celebrates its 13th anniversary in the town this month – lucky for anyone who likes fabulous food, first class service and a fantastic atmosphere. Newbury Business Today found out more about the man and his restaurant.
NBT: To reach 13 years is quite unusual for a restaurant, isn’t it?
RH: “Yes, it is unusual. Most restaurants, especially independent ones, go out of business in the first two years, but we have always been busy since day one. We have done that by being different and making a difference; we were different in 1995 and we’re different today in 2008.
NBT: Is ‘being different’ the secret to your success?
RH: “No. Being different certainly helps, but I believe, without wanting to sound conceited, we offer great food and great service in a great atmosphere – it’s that simple.”
NBT: Do you have a new menu for spring?
RH: “While we use seasonal ingredients, we do not have a seasonal menu. The menu actually evolves and we are constantly adding new dishes and being certain to retain the all-time favourites. People have been known to travel great distances for our Indonesian chicken curry. What we do have on our menu at the moment is the normal fusion of exotic meats and flavours. Ostrich steak, crocodile burgers and kangaroo sausages are popular, as is the catfish and also the red snapper. We try not to be conventional and even our ‘classic’ dishes will have the Gin Palace interpretation and, as ever, those dining with us early benefit from our various early evening offers, details of which can be found at www.themadginpalace.com
“I should add that we offer lighter versions of some of these dishes for lunch, together with platters, tapas and wraps, too.”
NBT: You were behind Bar Cuba – any other plans?
RH: “Yes, indeed at one stage I owned Bar Cuba in Newbury, Swindon and Cheltenham, however now I am more involved in consultancy for establishments that want to achieve our success. I am responsible for the catering at Deanwood Park Golf Club, Stockcross, and have advised a number of other establishments, too.
NBT: So people can find you front-of-house, as always?
RH: “They can, although they can also find me in my chef’s white some nights, on the starters and desserts section. I’m still out front and enjoy meeting the customers as much as I always have done. I have always been able to recognise people, but it is great to see so many new faces, too.”
The Madagascan Gin Palace
Tel: (01635) 35491
Fax: (01635) 37253
Web: www.themadginpalace.com
Email: info@themadginpalace.com
Blog: www.themadginpalace.blogspot.com
