Lessons learned from opening a restaurant: An interview with restauranteur Matteo Gilardoni

Katherine Morgan from our Real Estate team, talks to client Matteo Gilardoni, owner of Lago Restaurants, about his experience of opening and running a restaurant in Tunbridge Wells.

Having had success abroad, what attracted you to open a business in Tunbridge Wells?

I was living in Sevenoaks but didn’t think it was suitable given the close proximity to London.  I saw a gap in the market in Tunbridge Wells, because it’s somewhere where people want to stay local rather than travel 55 minutes to find a good restaurant and there definitely was a need for an authentic Italian restaurant.  I also felt that a lot of the big brands were here including The Ivy, which meant that it was a good hub.

Having opened shortly after the country went into lockdown, can you tell me about the impact it had on the business?

Covid actually worked out really well for us, which I hadn’t anticipated. I needed to create revenue so we opened the takeaway business. At first I was devastated that I couldn’t open our doors, but it allowed me to try out the menu, get to know my customers and to sort out any teething problems prior to opening as a proper restaurant. Those four months were vital in  creating a name for ourselves, as a lot of the other restaurants in Tunbridge Wells had just closed. Our customers couldn’t wait to come to the restaurant in person when the restrictions were lifted.  So what was actually a terrible situation for many local businesses, really helped our business to succeed.

Why do you think the business has such staying power?

I was told when I was taking the lease of the building that many restaurants in this location haven’t survived (touching wood as he says this). It’s not rocket science, we produce quality food and strive to deliver a great service.

What do you look for in a law firm and can you tell us more about your relationship with Thomson Snell & Passmore?

I had used Thomson Snell & Passmore for personal matters and was very impressed. I was then introduced to you, Katherine, when I was negotiating the lease of the property to house the restaurant and we have worked together ever since. I want from my lawyer what I strive to give to my customers, and that is a great service.  Everyone I have dealt with at Thomson Snell & Passmore takes my calls, is responsive and goes above and beyond to provide commercial advice which is sometimes outside of what they are actually instructed to do.  I know that I can call you with any other legal question and, if you can’t answer it, you will recommend a colleague that can which makes my life easier.  It is important to me to have a good working relationship with the person that is advising me on matters that affect my livelihood.

What are the challenges you have faced in growing your business?

It can be a challenge to keep standards high. It is difficult to attract and retain staff and this has been made more difficult since Brexit.  Organising corporate visas is extremely expensive, particularly when you are a small business with no guarantees that the staff will then stay.

We maintain relationships with other restaurant businesses in the town and support each other when we are short staffed. It’s good healthy competition.  I do welcome Tunbridge Wells specific business initiatives such as newly revived Tunbridge Wells Business District and the support of the TN card.

What are Lago’s plans for the future?

The restaurant is firmly here to stay whilst our customers keep returning! I have other exciting plans in Tunbridge Wells to complement the business, so you will have to wait and see to find out what’s in the pipeline.