A twin module Rieber ACS Varithek front cooking station now proudly stands within a new food service counter for a contract caterer.

“It’s a great example of how front cooking can transform a front of house operation. Thank you, Agorra Group, for working with us,” says BGL Rieber B & I and National Account Manager Joe Gunstone.

“The chef said it is a fantastic bit of kit, and he loves that he gets to interact with the customers.

“The site’s contract caterer chose this unit specifically for Theatre Cooking. The modules chosen include a 1/1 griddle and flat hobs. The option of a Rieber Teppanyaki non-stick grill pan (in addition to their regular pans), gives plenty of flexibility for the menu to expand the food offer for customers.

“The restaurant serves between 200-300 staff daily for breakfast and lunch.”

FRONT COOKING

Rieber Varithek ACS front cooking stations now include optional fire suppression and self-ventilation.

Varithek does not require overhead ventilation, and its ability to work inside or out means the caterers can take advantage of any good weather to provide meals in the fresh air or under cover.

BGL Rieber has also added the option of Amerex fire suppression. Varithek meets all fire safety requirements, will not set off any fire alarms, and can operate anywhere with the blessing of the fire officer. From fine dining to fast food, the Amerex KP system has the components to meet your client’s needs.

Varithek ACS takes theatre cooking to a new level of professionalism, making it ideal for private clients, event catering, director’s dining, and use within servery counters or food courts, etc.

The ability to generate extra revenue from a minimal footprint is key to Varithek’s success. Thanks to the range of cooking options, including induction and Ceran hobs, woks, griddles, pasta cookers, and fryers, virtually any menu style can be accommodated.

BGL Rieber chose AMEREX fire suppression to provide fire safety for its ACS units because we believe this provides the best alternative to traditional mechanical fire suppression systems.

Rational invites catering professionals to exclusive cooking demonstrations, led by Rational Ambassador Rehan Uddin, managing director of the Asian Restaurant Owners Network and owner of the acclaimed Indi-Yang Restaurant.

Bringing his innovative approach to the forefront, Rehan will showcase the advanced pressure capabilities of the iVario Pro bratt pan. Through an engaging demonstration, he will highlight how its intelligent cooking system enhances pressure cooking efficiency while preserving the rich, traditional flavours of Asian cuisine. Perfect for weddings, large functions, and even everyday dining, this modern approach delivers both productivity and speed with consistent results.

Authentic key dishes prepared on the day include, a rich Onion Gravy Stock, a flavourful Chicken Curry cooked on the bone, a creamy Moong Dal, and a deliciously sweet Gajar Halwa to finish.

The iVario Pro’s intelligent pressure-cooking function significantly reduces cooking times – by up to 35%, while preserving the integrity and flavour of each ingredient, ensuring top-quality products with minimal supervision.

Event details:

Date: Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Time: 11:00 – 13:00
Location: AJ Bell Stadium, Salford, M30 7EY

Date: Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Time: 11:00 – 14.00
Location: Hilton Glasgow, G3 8HT

These events are free to attend, but space is limited. Reserve your spot here: https://bit.ly/43XR0mT

Blue Seal Ltd are very mindful of the future equipment requirements for efficiency, carbon footprint and sustainability, with this ever-changing food industry and the cost of gas and electric usage.

We currently produce a new range of free-standing & bench models of heavy-duty induction hobs with two or four zones. Each hob has the versatility of 3.5KW  or 5Kw round zone generators for focussed power or 5kw power full area zones to accept multiple pans across the cooking area. The induction technology is  incredibly responsive, with hardened 6mm thick glass cooking surfaces.

Blue Seal R&D are conscious of the ever-increasing demand for induction product, and we are in the process of launching our new induction- convection ranges, and wok induction hobs.

Many commercial chefs are trained at college with gas appliances and do love the instant heat & control of gas. However, they are slowly breaking this habitual comfort and being convinced to make the change, once they experience using Induction, the fantastic responsiveness, instant heat direct to the pan & superb controllability, speaks for itself.

The induction technology lends itself to a myriad of concepts, especially QSR restaurants where they need quick heat up on demand, which is also remarkably simple for the operator to use and maintain.

The feature benefits of induction far outweigh the initial out lay, which is currently still relatively high for commercial heavy-duty product. Induction for prime cooking is still relatively fresh to be accepted into the general commercial kitchen environment, however the big energy savings and high efficiency far outweighs the cost of changing the cookware and initial higher cost outlay for the product. This cost will no doubt reduce and become more competitive as the trend & demand for induction manufacture inevitably increases. Induction equipment also avoids the additional very costly legislation requirement involved with gas canopy extraction/make up air and interlock systems.

When you compare the efficiency of using induction over gas, the induction is at approx. 90% efficient compared to approx. 45% efficiency for gas. This is achieved by the magnetic fields heating up the entire surface of the cookware with virtually all of the energy transferred into the pan. Where gas disperses the heat, licking around the sides of the cookware more so, losing energy into the ambient air around the pan.

Using induction massively reduces heat transfer into the air flow, lowers the overall temperature in the kitchen promoting a more comfortable working environment, as well as the practicality of a simple wipe down of the glass cooking area at the end of a shift, which is very appealing to an operator. The appliances are much safer to use, reducing injury potential as well as being very simple to service & maintain.

Having originally designed Marsh’s staff F&B facilities when they moved into the building in 2004, Tricon were invited back to re-imagine and redevelop the office’s food & beverage offerings for both staff and visitors to give it a more operationally contemporary feel. The aim was to maximise the potential of the spaces available and encourage employees to use the space for informal meetings as well as socialise while enjoying their meals. The project was undertaken in two phases, split between the East and West buildings. Phase one involved the West building, with Tricon designing an employee grab & go shop for staff seeking a quick bite to eat, hospitality pantries and a business lounge for Marsh McLennan to entertain their clients.

Phase two, focusing on the East building, required significant input from Tricon to renovate the existing food and beverage facilities. Tricon designed a ground floor Barista Café to animate their entrance lobby which has proved very popular with staff in the mornings, in addition to redesigning the existing staff servery to create a more open-planned and free-flowing environment with healthy and nutritional food offerings to increase staff wellbeing. Tricon proposed a pre-order system and pickup station in the staff servery to ensure staff that had little time on their hands could still enjoy a bespoke healthy lunch.

The highlight of the Client Centre East building was the level 6 Client Bar, featuring outstanding views over the Tower of London. Tricon designed this space to function as a barista bar during the day and drinks reception bar for evening events, ensuring clients visiting the offices had a range of refreshments available to them.

Tricon worked closely with Catering Equipment Contractor Berkeley Projects during construction and installation of the food and beverage areas, ensuring the designs prepared by our team were truly brought to life.

When investing in a new refrigerator there are many factors to consider, including size, function, energy ratings, and climate class ratings. Hoshizaki’s extended warranties are one less thing to worry about and mean that once operators find an appliance they love, it’s guaranteed to last.

With both Hoshizaki’s ADVANCE and COMPACT ranges increasing from 3 years to 5 years fully supported warranty, and PREMIER doubling from 3 years to 6 years, these extensions demonstrate Hoshizaki’s confidence in the longevity of their appliances and crucially provide operators with total peace of mind.

All Hoshizaki equipment is built to last, with innovative features such as the cold-solution experts’ unique smart air distribution system ensuring improved performance, so machines don’t overexert themselves, minimising wear-and-tear. Likewise, Hoshizaki’s ADVANCE and PREMIER cabinets and counters come equipped with a unique Monoblock system – a self-contained, insulated configuration which sits on top of the unit rather than inside, to facilitate access for preventative maintenance whilst also increasing storage capacity.

Operators prioritising longevity can therefore select a range most suitable to their needs, confident that each series has similar warranties. For gastronomy perfectionists, Hoshizaki’s PREMIER models feature top or bottom-mounted condensers to boost storage capacity, with the largest unit boasting 1/1GN compatible shelving on 22 levels.

For operators prioritising hygiene-led features, Hoshizaki’s ADVANCE range may be more suitable. Including practical anti-tilting shelves to prevent spillage, fully removable gaskets to enable easy cleaning, and high-grade stainless-steel exteriors that make cleaning a breeze, these units have been designed to promote good housekeeping.

In venues where space is at a premium, Hoshizaki’s aptly named COMPACT models can combine cutting-edge technology with one of the smallest footprints of any commercial refrigerator. Likewise, the undercounter models have been designed with average counter height in mind to fit in any kitchen.

For more information on appliances in the Hoshizaki portfolio, please visit www.hoshizaki-europe.com or call 01322 616 900.

Welcome to ignite, by ceda.

ceda represents over 135 companies across the UK. And each and every ceda member is a specialist. Design specialists, project specialists and equipment specialists. All exclusively serving the foodservice, catering and hospitality industry.

Quite rightly, we’re massively proud of what our members create. And so ignite is their showcase.

In each issue we feature amazing projects and installations for organisations of all sizes up and down the UK and beyond. Every year at our annual conference we honour the best of our members’ projects with the ceda Grand Prix Awards.

In this special edition of ignite we celebrate the ‘best of the best’ in from 2018 to 2024.

Alternatively, to learn more about ceda and our members, please visit our Find a Specialist page.

Spring is the perfect time for chefs to refresh their kitchens and ensure their Adande Refrigeration units are running at top performance. Here are five simple maintenance tips you can share with your customers to keep their Adande drawers in top shape:

1. Deep Clean Inside & Out – Advise chefs to unplug the unit and use warm, soapy water to wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to door seals and handles.
2. Check & Clean Drawer Seals – Encourage them to wipe seals with soapy water and inspect for cracks. Replacing damaged seals ensures better efficiency.
3. Dust the Condenser Coils – A soft brush can clear away dust build-up, improving energy efficiency and unit performance.
4. Inspect Power Leads – Make sure cables are securely connected and free from damage to prevent power issues.
5. Check the Insulated Container – Look for cracks or wear along the top edge to prevent excessive icing and maintain optimal performance.

Support & Warranty – A Win for Dealers & Chefs

With Adande’s 5-year UK warranty and free expert support, your customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing they have reliable refrigeration.

By sharing these simple maintenance tips, you’re helping chefs extend the life of their Adande drawers—ensuring better performance and customer satisfaction. Keep their kitchens running smoothly this season with Adande!

Read the full blog for more info: https://adande.co.uk/5-spring-clean-maintenance-tips-for-your-adande-drawers/

For over 10 years, Counterline has been a proud partner of Costa Coffee, supporting their vision of delivering exceptional customer experiences. Together, we have supplied cutting-edge chilled food service displays to over 600 stores worldwide, helping to elevate food presentation and ensure the highest standards of quality.

The relationship is built on a foundation of trust, innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence. Counterline’s versatile and eco-friendly display solutions are designed to complement Costa Coffee’s premium aesthetic and operational efficiency. This enduring partnership reflects a mutual dedication to providing world-class service, and both companies look forward to continuing this successful collaboration for many years to come.

Case Study: Costa Coffee, Tbilisi Airport

Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, is the busiest international airport in Georgia, located 17 km southeast of capital Tbilisi. The airport handled 3.7 million passengers in 2019.

Costa Coffee joined forces with Counterline and BTA Group, led by Yavuz Afşar, to create a cutting-edge display solution meticulously designed to meet Costa Coffee’s distinctive needs.

Counterline’s Products in Action

Counterline proudly supplied its versatile Chilled Coffee Shop Tiered Display—an advanced solution perfectly suited for showcasing a diverse range of offerings. This state-of-the-art, eco-friendly equipment ensures impeccable product presentation across multiple tiers, maintaining ideal serving conditions while preserving food quality and freshness. Seamlessly blending functionality with elegant design, it reflects Costa Coffee’s commitment to excellence and aligns perfectly with their premium standards.

Results

The transformed store at Tbilisi Airport stands as a testament to Costa Coffee’s dedication to quality and innovation. This sophisticated, efficient, and welcoming space redefines the customer experience, embodying the brand’s premium standards. Counterline’s Chilled Coffee Shop Tiered Display range has played a pivotal role in delivering an exceptional dining experience, setting a new benchmark for excellence in workplace and travel environments.

For more information about Counterline and their product range please visit counterline.co.uk.

At Liebherr, sustainability is more than a commitment—it’s built into every product. Our commercial refrigeration range is designed for precision, innovation, and environmental responsibility, ensuring foodservice businesses benefit from energy efficiency, durability, and long-term reliability.

Energy Efficiency Champion with a 5-Year Guarantee 

Our new heavy-duty refrigeration cabinets, including the FRPSvg 6501 Performance Forced-Air Refrigerator GN 2/1, offer best-in-class energy efficiency and maximised usable capacity, backed by a five-year parts and labour guarantee.

Designed for demanding kitchens, key features include:

✔ Hygienic 304 stainless-steel interior – Easy to clean, no awkward edges 
✔ NoFrost Technology – Prevent down time and stock loss
✔ SmartMonitoring compatibility – WiFi/LAN connectivity for real-time temperature tracking and compliance
✔ Energy-saving LED lighting – Bright and efficient
✔ Eco-friendly refrigerant (R 290) – Lower environmental impact 
✔ Climate Class 5: Performs reliably in ambient temperatures up to 40°C, ideal for high-performance environments. 

Specifications: 597L capacity, Energy Class A, Dimensions: 211.5cm (H) x 69.7cm (W) x 86.7cm (D).  

Designed for a Greener Future 

“Sustainability is at the core of our design,” says Will Crighton, National Account Manager, Liebherr Foodservice. “From efficient production to long-lasting components, we focus on reducing environmental impact while ensuring top-tier performance.”

Liebherr’s manufacturing follows ISO 14001-certified environmental management, with a focus on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and recyclability.

Invest in refrigeration that delivers performance, efficiency, and sustainability—without compromise.

Get in Touch
To find out more about our heavy-duty refrigeration cabinets or to discuss your specific requirements, contact Will Crighton today:

Will Crighton C.F.S.P.
National Account Manager – Food Service
Appliance Division
Liebherr-Great Britain Ltd
+44 (0) 7720 497 075
will.crighton@liebherr.com

Let Liebherr help you elevate your foodservice operations with sustainable, high-performance refrigeration solutions.

Cronin Insurance (an NFP Company) has partnered with ceda to provide you with a range of insurance solutions to support and protect your business. Having worked with ceda for a number of years, Cronin have a good understanding of the bespoke insurance requirements of businesses like yours, and offer a tailored service designed to meet your individual needs.

Get in touch

Darren Cronin
Managing Director
Tel: 07484 871 288
Email: darren@cronin-insurance.com

To discuss how we can help you, please get in touch: