Jeroboams Trade: Let’s Keep Talking
· Ben Pearson Ben Pearson on
Jeroboams Trade, formerly Laytons, can be traced back to 1934. In that time our mission has been (fairly) straightforward: Keep businesses across the UK stocked with the best wine, spirits and beer. We work hard at this and our ever-growing wine list is one of the best in town. But ultimately that’s not what makes us unique and certainly isn’t what keeps our customers coming back. It is of course, all down to communication. Our ability to listen to our customers and understand what it is they need. The last few weeks have been a particularly trying time, not just for us or our customers, but for the industry as a whole. And it is now more than ever we need to communicate: To talk to our customers, see how they are, ask if there is anything we can do to help; to listen to – and where possible support plans to help them through.
We have spoken to almost all of our Trade customers over the last couple of weeks and whilst it is clear there are some challenging times ahead, it is fantastic to see such high spirits, determination and creativity. Beyond our customer list the story remains the same: A challenge that needs solving.
Below is a list of some of our customers, suppliers and businesses local to Jeroboams shops and our staff. Each have taken the challenge of COVID-19 head on in their own unique way.
If it’s a business local to you, please do consider supporting. If you’re reading this as a business, maybe it will provide some inspiration.
We will continue to update the list over the coming weeks.
Camberwell Arms
Who they are:
A long-time customer of Jeroboams Trade and a popular haunt for many of our south London dwelling staff. The Camberwell Arms is a South London restaurant and bar, headed up by Chef Director, Michael Davies, who creates regularly changing menus based on seasonal and quality ingredients
What they are offering:
Signature dishes and, in partnership with Natoora, stocking essential grocery items, such as eggs, fruits and vegetables. Collection available and delivery to SE5, SE15 and SE22 is free of charge.
Contact:
0207 358 4364 or emailing enquiries@thecamberwellarms.co.uk.
D&D London
Who they are:
Friends of Jeroboams, D&D are a collection of 42 diverse restaurants, bars and a hotel, based predominantly in London, but also with locations in Leeds, Manchester, Paris and New York.
What they are offering:
D&D are currently preparing and delivering 1,000 prepared meals a day from Le Pont de la Tour and 300 meals a day from Butlers Wharf Chophouse. The meals are going to University College Hospital, West Middlesex Hospital and to ambulance staff.
Contact:
Telephone 020 7716 0716 or email info@danddlondon.com
Gipsy Hill
Who they are:
Brewery and taproom, Gipsy Hill are a longstanding supplier to Jeroboams and a favourite among our customers (and staff).
What they are offering:
Whilst their home delivery service of core and special beers continues, Gipsy Hill have now launched a brand-new initiative ‘Buy the NHS a pint’ providing web customers the opportunity to pay forward a pint to NHS staff. Each pint paid forward will be added to a bar tab in Gipsy Hill’s taproom. Once back up and running, anyone from the NHS and by extension any volunteer signed up to help, can pop in and redeem their pint.
Contact:
Telephone 0208 761 9061 or email info@gipsyhillbrewing.com
Klose & Soan
Who they are:
Friends of Jeroboams staff, Klose and Soan are a catering outfit specialising in Mediterranean cooking that is unfussy, convivial and inclusive, ensuring that all dietary need are catered for. Having held multiple residencies at restaurants around London they are currently operating out Deptford Wine Makers in south east London.
What they are offering:
Klose & Soan have introduced a range of delivered Frozen Ready Meals. Every dish is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients ready for anyone who fancies a night off cooking and trying to avoid another greasy takeaway. We’ve tried them and they are fantastic!
Contact:
Visit their website.
Forman & Field
Who they are:
Forman & Field is an online luxury food store that delivers fresh, seasonal food to homes across the UK. Forman & Field is the sister company of H. Forman & Son, which has been producing London Cure Smoked Salmon in the East End of London for over 100 years.
What they are offering:
- 3 day delivery service of over 400 product lines, delivered straight to any front door in the UK
- Everything is made by hand and made to order
- Only the finest British ingredients are used; quality is our utmost priority
- Forman’s supplies many of the top restaurants in the country. Whilst these restaurants are closed, it gives people the opportunity to enjoy restaurant quality food at home
- A fantastic option for people wishing to send food to elderly relatives, especially if they live far away
- Many products are freezable – perfect for stocking up during the isolation period
- Forman & Field don’t use any additives, preservatives or nasties in their food. Everything is as fresh as can be
Contact:
Telephone 02036015464 or email info@formanandfield.com
Benares
Who they are:
Long standing customer Benares is an Indian fine dining restaurant with a British twist located in Mayfair.
What they are offering:
Benares are now offering a home delivery service that provides customers with the opportunity to recommend a special of the day. All recommendations are taking into consideration and then it’s handed over to the kitchen to make it happen. In addition to this Benares are proudly supporting the NHS by providing NHS workers with a meal for every meal purchased.
Contact:
Telephone 020 7629 8886 or email reservations@benaresrestaurant.co.uk
Jaguar Shoes Collective
Who they are:
Starting life on Kingsland Road as tiny pub famed for its monthly art installations, Jaguar Shoes has grown into a small group of incredibly popular pubs across east London.
What they are offering:
Hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic, the Jaguar Shoes collective, like many, are facing an increasingly challenging time. In an effort to manage cash flow they have launched the ‘Beer Bank’ providing customers with opportunity to pay for beer now and receive ‘instant interest’ of 30% to spend on drinks once the venues reopen.
Contact:
Telephone 0207 6840944 or visit their website.
Melange
Who they are:
Melange, long time customers of Jeroboams, are a restaurant based in Crouch End. With a focus on Mediterranean food their mission is to provide excellent cooking, indulgent cocktails, friendly service and a holiday like atmosphere.
What they are offering:
The Melange Food Box: Fresh groceries inspired by their customer’s favourite Melange dishes. The range includes four different boxes to choose from and they are sharing recipe ideas across their social channels. Pick up and delivery are both available.
Contact:
Telephone 07535556169 or visit their website.
Otto’s
Who they are:
One of the capital’s iconic French restaurants, Otto’s offer classic cuisine from their romantic restaurant in Holborn.
What they are offering:
Otto’s are preparing and delivering food to the Intensive Care Unit staff at St. Thomas’s Hospital on a daily basis. They are looking for donations to support this necessary services during this difficult time.
Contact:
Visit their website to make a donation here.
Yard Sale Pizza
Who they are:
East London pizza kings, Yard Sale Pizza, have become an institution since opening in Clapton in May 2014. Turning what was a backyard hobby into a thriving business is an impressive feat, garnering the praise from national food writers and Jeroboams staff alike.
What they are offering:
Via their “pizza fund” you can donate pizza to NHS workers across London. Furthermore, they are offering 50% off pizza for health workers.
Contact:
To donate some pizza, visit their website here.
Ben Pearson