A busy Saturday night on the Marina...

Last night, at Portofino we fed 212 customers from 5.30pm till 10pm. I love it when it is a non-stop service which goes smoothly. The kitchen coped very well and so did the service staff. Noel, Chris and their young team were totally on the ball and so were Joey and Belinda and the girls.

On busy nights like that, I like to take orders so I can chat to customers. The regulars who like to be remembered, greeted and made to feel special, and the new faces, whom I have to steer through our menu, suggesting this or that dish and making them feel comfortable and welcoming them to our restaurant.

Later, when things slowed down a little I went to Krimo's which was also full. Many tables were already having desserts. Karen said the service had been smooth. I visited all the tables and had a few words with all the customers. A few of them were celebrating birthdays, with helium balloons floating over the guests. Colin and his team were tidying the kitchen while finishing off the last few orders. We talked football. He had gone to watch Middlesbrough beat Fulham one nil. Hartlepool lost two one away at Southend. The situation is getting dire!

Next I went to Casa. Adam said one of waitresses had phoned in sick and they had struggled a little with the numbers of diners. The tapas bar is getting very popular as more and more people find out about it. I passed the kitchen with the football table, Kevin shook his head in despair. He too is a season ticket holder.

I spoke to a few customers. Many new faces, which is very pleasing. The Marina is now attracting many people for out of town.