Box-E (Chef Elliott Lidstone) - Wapping Wharf, Bristol
Throwing caution to the wind, Chef Elliott Lidstone decided that after spending years of his life working his way up through the ranks in the likes of Michelin starred restaurant L'Ortolan where he became head chef, before spending four years at the Empress in East London earning himself two AA rosettes, a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 32nd spot in the top 50 gastro pubs in the country in 2016, it was time to go it alone with his partner Tessa and take a shot at making their lifelong dreams come true!
Bristol's new vibrant harbour-side shipping container development Cargo 1 - Wapping Wharf was soon to become home to their new venture.
TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY
Elliott and Tessa approached Target Catering Equipment with a vision of turning two shipping containers into an intimate restaurant with complete kitchen that would allow Chef Elliott Lidstone to deliver his specialist dishes.
It was down to Target to prepare a complete kitchen layout design that would include, preparation area, cookline, service line, wash-up area and Chef's table all within just 10m².
Working closely with Elliott to ensure his kitchen was exactly as he wanted whilst being within his budget, the cookline was designed to consist of a Target TR-R restaurant induction range complete with commercial plancha and Adande refrigerated drawer, rise and fall salamander grill, Rational combination oven and fryer. The remaining kitchen layout being made up of refrigerated counters, prep benches, a dishwasher, dishwash tabling and storage.
Layouts approved, the install was ready to proceed.
With the containers being situated on an upper level meant that access was limited, the most efficient way to manoeuvre the equipment was for it to be craned up. Being an all-electric kitchen meant there were minimal regulations to adhere to and no costly gas installation requirements. Equipment was simply wheeled into position connected to pre-installed services and ready for handover.
Finishing touches to the interior completed, the restaurant was ready to open!
Reaping the benefits of their hard labour, Elliott and Tessa are now owner operators of a thriving restaurant nestled alongside an eclectic mix of other independent traders.
Box-E caters for 14 covers and includes 4 seats at the chef's kitchen table which offers a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy a seven-course tasting menu complete with a matching wine flight.
Since opening in October 2016 Box-E has already been announced as number 85 in Britain's top 100 restaurants in the National Restaurant Awards with Elliott Lidstone nominated as a Chef to Watch also by the National Restaurant Awards. Box-E is also being recognised as one to watch and a must visit by The Michelin Guide, BBC Good Food, - Fiona Beckett, The Sunday Times - Ed Cumming, The Guardian - Jay Rayner and Crumbs Magazine - Andy Clarke.
It is clear the new arrival of Box-E on the Bristol food scene is one not to be missed!
Visit boxebristol.com to book a table.
