Teddington Nub News aims to be supportive to EVERY element of the community from business and shops to people and charities and clubs and sports organisations.

Everyone is finding it tough at the moment and is desperate to get back to normal.

We will be profiling some of these local businesses and groups regularly over coming weeks in a feature called UP CLOSE IN TEDDINGTON in the hope that we can be a supportive springboard for your full return to business as usual

This week we talk to Sam Berry, owner of One One Four restaurant in High Street, Teddington. During an in-depth Q and A session he reveals why he set up his business in Teddington as well as his affection for the community and his gratitude for its support during the current crisis.

1)What made you set up your business in Teddington and what was business like when you first started out?

Having opened No 97 in Surbiton we were looking for the next step. We met Vincent and Sue (previous owners of Retro Bistro) one night and we got chatting. They mentioned Retro Bistro and the next evening I went over to dine in the restaurant and see the space. Three days later we put in an offer and haven't looked back.

The refurb took a lot longer than planned due to taking the supporting wall out of the restaurant but we wanted to open up the space and we hope you agree the outcome was beautiful. Due to the delay in opening people were excited to see what the space had become.

With any opening there is always teething problems however much you plan. We were also very busy which was great but meant we were playing catch up from day one. We now think we have a great concept, great team and great clientele.

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2)When you look back in that time, was it easy or difficult. What would your advice be to anyone starting out on their own today?

Opening a restaurant or any business is never easy. However much you plan there are always a few bumps along the way. My advice is be prepared as much as you can be but be ready to adapt and tweak where needed. This is a new project in a new location with a new team. You need to learn you your customers are, who works well together and make it all come together – Even two years along I am still learning and will be for the rest of my life. This is what keeps me going is you can never stop learning.

3)Was there anything special about Teddington that you liked? What are the main differences between Teddington then and Teddington now?

Having not been on the High street for too long and not really knowing Teddington before it's hard to say. What I do love is there is 100% a sense of community and independent shops and restaurants. Teddington lights up just before Christmas is the biggest representation of this with lots of people and businesses volunteering their time to make it happen. You get that real village feel whilst still being a stone's throw away from London.

4)Tell us more about your business. How did you decided on the décor and the menus, for instance?

Our concept was always clear from the start. We wanted a mix of the city and the countryside which is where Teddington exactly sits. The interior represents some swanky place in London but our menu followed the seasons and was always changing to use the freshest produce possible. Our amazing staff are down to earth. They weren't there to serve you but to create the experience along with the central bar and open plan kitchen. Its London but with a sprinkling of the countryside.

5)Your business is very much at the heart of the community. Do you think Teddington is a friendly place to live and work?

Of course, that's why we love it. Were very lucky to have so many amazing customers who are there to support us, especially in this crazy time. We have been overwhelmed by the response and kind words which is what keeps us going. Other business are great as well. We have collaborated with several businesses (Mary's Living + Giving, Amulette etc) The way I see it we aren't competition but were working together. If the high street can pull in more people outside of Teddington then it only benefits all of us. It increases the footfall and people notice new places they may not have seen or heard of before.

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6)Who are your customers? Do they tend to be regulars or people who just come for special occasions?

We have a great mix of clientele, We have a lot of regulars mixed in with the special occasions. We wanted to create a space that although looked amazing you could come whenever you wanted, no need to dress up. We want our customers to be able to relax and enjoy themselves. If you've seen me I look far too relaxed but that's how I want my customers and staff to feel.

7)How has your business changed over the years what with technology and big changes in lifestyle and a growing population in the area?

I'm not massive on technology. Were still a new business but of course we will need to adapt to changing times. We are currently looking at new concepts and ways to stay ahead in the game. For us being one step ahead of trends has always been important to us.

8)How do you spend your spare time away from the business?

What spare time! I'm running 3 restaurants (No 97, 114, Cento Uno), a gin distillery (The Good Life Gin Co), events company (Mixologist On The Move) and we have just taken over the bar for a wedding venue in Farnham (Bury Court). We have always closed our restaurants on Sunday evenings and Mondays. It's important for my team to get a little time to reset. For me Sunday evening is with the Wife who also works within the business, and Mondays are catching up with emails and maintenance. Being a bartender by trade, If I can steal myself away it's a short trip into London to check out some of my favourite cocktail bars. Opium, Experimental Cocktail Club, Disrepute to name a few.

9)Obviously the pandemic has really hit the High Street. How has it effected you and what plans do you have to get the business going again?

The pandemic has of course affected us but there is no time to complain. This is a time to look to the future. We are looking of ways to keep the cogs turning and try and look at this in a positive light. We started with takeaways which we had a great response but had to stop due to Covid -19 and the safety of our staff. We have launched our new online shop which has also been amazing and we have expanded our product range overnight, from one to gin to cocktails, merch, prints etc. this has been great for keeping us going with amazing feedback on the products.

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We're looking at this with a chance to take the time and reflect on the last few years which we don't always get time to do. What have we done right, where did we go wrong, what can we change etc….

10)What are the key three qualities you think are needed to run your own business in a place like Teddington?

- Hard work

- Community spirit

Thanks for reading and we look forward to seeing you on the other side.

Best wishes

Sam, Alex + my Amazing Team.

Visit the website of One One Four