Harbour Restaurant has been a part of Bedford’s tenant mix for 15 years. In 2009 the Mediterranean eatery was taken over by a family from their uncle and infused with a facelift fit for Neptune.
The discussion for this advertorial took place at Harbour, with the restaurant’s anchor and co-owner, Smaragda Demetriou who navigated us through Harbour’s makeover. Smags, as she is fondly known, gives much credit to her brother-in-law and co-owner, Georgios Maragkos who captains Harbour.
Not only does George – as he is known to customers – enjoy being front of house and interacting with guests, he is the restaurant’s head chef and is mostly found in the cabin (kitchen, that is) putting his superior 5 star tourist college and 6 star hotel training to amazing use serving up delectable square meals that can only be classed as first rate.
Harbour’s revamp in order to remain on course with international culinary and restaurant trends is progressive and impressive. The interior underwent renovations with further upgrades being mapped out. By and large guests can now enjoy their meals in an elegant, chic setting surrounded by remarkable fish tanks. The restaurant proudly boasts space to hold corporate and social functions and as an incentive provide free cocktails to function attendees.
A ship is incomplete without a deck, which was built onto the restaurant to accommodate up to 160 guests and sports calming water features and ambient background melodies. Relaxing on the deck, one almost expects a flock of seagulls to sail overhead and a lighthouse to boom not far off - all while sitting at Bedford Centre!
Not only has Harbour’s refurbishment been physical, but with the expertise and creativity of Matlou Tsotetsi and her marketing company, Cupcake Advertising and Marketing at the helm, the restaurant’s look and feel underwent an image change with the likes of rebranding the logo, updating the website and freshening up signage. Explains Matlou, “my involvement with Harbour was to contribute to a fresh look and feel and re-positioning of the brand. Together with client we looked at what the brand represents and how to evolve it to greater heights. From these discussions we then came up with the new slogan – Harbour ... oceans of choice. In addition to this we did a shoot of the delectable food that is on offer that we use in the new campaign.”
On her experience with the Harbour family, Matlou comments: “It’s been an incredible experience. Although the business is family run, I dealt with Smags all the time. This was great because I dealt with a client who knew her brand intimately and what the business objectives are. They deliver what they say they will when they say they will.”
Harbour, in a joint venture with Three Tsar Vodka and Rousos Sloe, are making sure that their presence is felt at Bedford by advertising through the Centre. To do so, Harbour has made use of iMedia, a Property Media company. With the use of scrollers, a billboard and numerous way finds situated around the mall, Harbour will be announcing their partnership with Rousos and their sundowners on the deck that will offer customers “buy 1 get 1 free” cocktails, Sundays – Thursdays between 16:30 and 18:30. Comments the Three Tsar Vodka Company and Rousos Sloe: “we are very excited about our association with the Harbour Restaurant, and we cannot overstate that enough. The relaxed atmosphere, while retaining a magical sense of sophistication provides a perfect venue for Rousos Sloe to be enjoyed.”
Uniquely (and most enticingly) the restaurant proudly offers delectable wines and champagnes by the glass. The restaurant is currently in the process of streamlining their menu and as they do so, they are offering 50% off everything on the menu on Mondays and Tuesdays, excluding drinks. Also to be noted is the fact that Harbour sell fresh fish to take home.
There are many more plans in the offing for Harbour but they’re not ready to let the cat out of the bag just yet!
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