Martin’s Diary – Thank you to my dear friends and restaurateurs

I started the idea of Ceviche 2 years ago. At the time I met with 2 hospitality experts who although they looked at me as if I was mad, told me about the great pitfalls and the challenges I would have, they thought it was a good idea. Since then, I’ve had incredible support from restaurateurs from Ping Pong, Pho, Wahaca, Polpo, Giraffe, Bob Bob Ricard, Tossed, Cinammon Club, Soho House, Hakkasan, The Draft House, La Petit Maison, Toast and Roka who have given me not only their time but advice and a helping hand. They have answered my calls when I’ve needed advice about designers, agents, project managers, architects or lawyers. They have all been there and done that and they are all entrepreneurs so there is a bond between us and an affinity to what Im trying to achieve. But the fun part is that they have all done this differently. There is no prescribed way to start a restaurant. They all have their own particular amazing and inspiring story. But what I did find in common with them is that they were all frustrated by not being able to get what they wanted so they had to create it – their restaurant business. They have the scars and triumphs and I’ve been lucky to be able to spend time with them learning. I hope by doing this, I will have scrapes but no scars.