2 minute read
5 minutes with... FLAME & FIRE
Who are you?
Frances Hughes of Flame & Fire Restaurant
What’s your business all about?
We are an independent steakhouse bar & grill, in Hammersmith, close to Ravenscourt Park. We aim to balance upscale and approachable, by offering fine-dining ingredients and welcoming service, in an elegant but unpretentious environment. Our speciality is dry-aged steaks. The dryaging process makes the meat more tender and brings out the richness of flavour. Earlier this year we added Japanese Wagyu to our menu. It’s the special diet given to Wagyu cattle that maximises the marbling (fine streaks of fat that run through the meat, appearing as delicate white flecks). It is this that gives it its rich, tender, buttery taste. Most of our guests come for our steaks, but not all. Our lamb shank is the second-best seller, after our steaks, and we always have choice for those who don’t want to eat red meat, or any meat at all. Fish and poultry are constants, and vegetarian and vegan options are always available.
Through our food, service and atmosphere we seek to create memorable dining experiences for our guests; it’s about more than just eating. We want to exceed guests’ expectations and for them to feel valued and welcomed; to have enjoyed quality, flavoursome food that is responsibly sourced, thoughtfully prepared, well presented and reasonably priced; with service that is warm and attentive, in an environment that is conducive to relaxation, comfort, conversation and connection.
Three words to describe yourself?
Flavoursome. Refined. Inviting.
Ideal customer?
5 minutes with Flame & Fire is a valued member of West London Chambers of Commerce their faces. The positive feedback we receive from guests whether in person, by email or via Google and Tripadvisor reviews, is also very rewarding. This can be everything from a romantic meal to a family gathering, a business dinner to a birthday party or wedding celebration.
30+ professionals, couples or families, who value high quality food and good service in comfortable surroundings. They might live in west London or be happy to travel for good steak and relaxed fine dining.
Biggest achievement?
Winning the West London Chambers Award for Best Restaurant 2024 was a fantastic achievement for us! Aside from this, surviving the impact that covid had on us and the hospitality industry as a whole, which sometimes feels like a bad, surreal dream. There are many other challenges I could list, but getting through them (from big to small) is an achievement, and to be, in the words of Elton John, still standing!
Biggest gripe?
The multiple calls we receive asking if we want to change our card machine provider, or utility provider, especially during a busy shift.
Your inspiration?
Seeing people enjoy themselves and connecting with each other with smiles on
Philosophy in business?
Adopt a win-win approach; Treat others how you would like to be treated; Welcome feedback; Stay calm under pressure.
Sporting hero?
I’m not a huge sports fan/follower to be honest, but I do like Gary Lineker, Ian Wright and Jürgen Klopp; also Peter Crouch who grew up in west London (Ealing) where I grew up. I like them for how they come across as people, their humanity and character. I also like Clare Balding (sports commentator, presenter and author), who lives/lived locally in Chiswick. She has been a judge at the Chiswick Dog Show and spoken at the Chiswick Book Festival. She was great on Gogglebox too.
Biggest tip for success?
Perseverance and adaptability, take the rough with the smooth; things will always change.
Adopt a win-win approach; Treat others how you would like to be treated; Welcome feedback; Stay calm under pressure.
