About Cafe & Restaurant Consultants
We've been in your shoes. We know what it takes.
Cafe & Restaurant Consultants was founded by hospitality professionals who spent years working on the ground — in kitchens, behind counters, and on the floor. We understand the pressure, the passion, and the pitfalls of opening and running a food & drink business. That's why we built a consultancy focused entirely on making your journey easier, smarter, and more profitable.
150+
Projects Completed
12+
Years Experience
98%
Client Satisfaction
UK Wide
Clients Served
Our Story
It started with a problem we kept seeing.
Talented, passionate people were opening cafes and restaurants they had dreamed about for years — only to struggle because of poor kitchen design, uncosted menus, the wrong POS system, or a space that simply didn't work for the volume they needed to turn over.
We founded Cafe & Restaurant Consultants to be the team those owners wished they had from day one. Not generalist business consultants — but people who have worked hospitality at every level, who understand the margins, the culture, the supplier networks, and the operational realities of running a busy food & drink venue.
Today we support independent operators and growing groups across the UK — from single-site neighbourhood cafes to multi-location restaurant brands — guiding them from concept all the way through to a thriving opening day and beyond.
Our Values
The principles that guide every project we take on
Honest Advice
We tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. Our reputation is built on trust.
Genuine Passion
We love hospitality. Your success genuinely matters to us — it's not just a project number.
Practical Focus
We deliver real, workable solutions — no unnecessary complexity, no jargon, no wasted time.
People First
Great hospitality is about people. We design spaces, menus, and systems that serve both your team and your guests.
Meet the Team
Experienced hospitality professionals — here to guide you
James Hargreaves
Founder & Lead Consultant
20 years in hospitality spanning Michelin-starred restaurants, high-street café groups, and independent openings across the UK.
Sarah Mitchell
Head of Interior Design
Commercial interior designer with a decade of specialist hospitality experience. She has designed over 60 venues from concept to opening.
David Chen
Culinary & Menu Consultant
Former head chef turned menu consultant. David specialises in building profitable menus that excite guests without overcomplicating kitchen operations.
What Our Clients Say
“They saved us from at least three expensive mistakes before we even opened the doors. The kitchen layout alone was worth every penny of the fee.”
— Emma T., Owner, The Corner Plate, Manchester
“Our GP went up by 8 points within three months of relaunching our menu using their recommendations. I only wish I had called them sooner.”
— Raj P., Director, Spice Route Group, Birmingham
“From the very first call, they felt like a proper part of our team. The design they created for our cafe is exactly what we imagined — and it works brilliantly in practice.”
— Natalie W., Owner, Bloom Cafe, Leeds
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve an existing venue, we'd love to hear about your project.