About a month ago, I went down to meet Joe and Marion, partners, managers and culinary magicians of Restaurant54, located on Albion Street, Broadstairs (just up from the harbour) and offering a varied menu of fantastic local produce brought together in innovative dishes. Now, I know we like to 'big up' our clients but, sincerely, they are two of the nicest people I've ever met (I left the final photoshoot with a full belly, but I'll get onto that later...)
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Click on any of the blog images to view a slection of images in the public gallery.
As with many of our clients we sometimes find that either the current image stock or web site really doesn't convey the high quality product, atmosphere or scale of each business. Truly, the only way to find out - bar looking at our awesome food photography - is to go and find out for yourself or at the very least, check out the amazing reviews on Trip Advisor.
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If you have visited Restaurant54 before, you may have met Avril, who previously ran the restaurant but has since moved on, with Joe and Marion taking over. As Head Chefs and Restaurant Managers go, Joe and Marion are a great combination. Joe, with over 20-years experience at top London eateries (including the Savoy) brings the understanding of flavours, textures and presentation, whilst Marion - a true life Thanet local and catering professional - ensures that your experience is always the priority when you enter her restaurant.
Restaurant54 is not an 'in your face' place. The decor is subtle and welcoming and whilst there is a real buzz on busy shifts, this restaurant really is all about the food and the service. I do also need to add that they've an excellent wine list designed to compliment the menu, put together with assistance from Jonathan Page of Page & Sons.
On first visit, you'll find the main restaurant bright and spacious (you won't be crammed in) with wooden floors and immaculately presented tables layered with white cloth.
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Service and drinks come from the back of the room with a couple of steps down opening into a further restaurant area and a suntrap of a garden to the rear. If you're looking for a more secluded space, you'll also find a separate area for parties.
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The music played during each service is bright but complimentary and we were especially happy to note that Joe keeps his PRS licence up to date, something many don't bother with...
So, on to the to the food photography shoots! As with our previous restaurant photography clients we had two visits to see Joe and Marion (plus our initial consultation); one shoot to capture the ambience of a busy service and the other to spend time perfecting the food photographs for a selection of the menu.
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Unbelieveably, and something we've not come across yet, just as we started our second shoot Joe and Marion had an unannouced visit from the local EHO (environmental health officer) to renew their food hygiene certificate! Professionals that they are, the food wasn't held up and Restaurant54 has had it's five star rating renewed once again.
Placing the plates in one of the many widow seated tables, the soft afternoon light diffused beautifully on each with the crisp and clean table cloths providing some upward light. The result is some striking images with bright colours set against the canvas of the table.
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What also struck us (as food lovers and restaurant frequenters - is that a word?) was that each plate was quite generous but not so much that you would never finish - I can attest to this ;)
So as the afternoon started to turn into evening we finished with deserts and a beautful cake brought in earlier ready for a birthday meal later on.
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And finally, the Sea Bream, taken just before it disappeared into the belly of a very hungry photographer. There are occasions such as this where I would work for food and not money. We're not food critics or professional restaurant reviewers but my meal was to die for. When you get there, try the Sea Bream, trust me.
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If you would like to find out more about Restaurant54 in Broadstairs, why not give Marion a call and book your first visit or better still reserve a table for their much acclaimed Sunday roast with aged sirloin of beef with rosemary roasted potatoes and all the trimmings! Call 01843 867150 or email enquiries@restaurant54.co.uk and don't foget to say you read the blog!
Enjoy!
Gareth
About us
We Are Hector are East Kent commercial photographers and wedding photographers covering the whole of the South East. We specialise in; advertising photography, pr photography, editorial photography, food photography, retail photography, interior photography, property photography as well as extensive event photography, conference photography, awards photography and exhibition photography
