North East & Yorkshire

A roaring success

Tiger Bills, Consett

Tiger Bills’ new Consett-based restaurant has now opened, bringing the delicious, quirky East-meets-West themed menu to the North East.

With franchises in Birmingham, Whitley Bay, Exeter, Torquay, Worcester (opening soon) and now Consett the brand is quickly expanding, offering diners around the country an exciting, unique dining experience.

Premier Hospitality caught up with Tony Short, Managing Director of main contractor Shorco Electrical, to find out more about the venue. Work began on site in September 2013 and reached completion in December 2013 with Tony acting as the Project Manager throughout.

Tony commented:

“I got involved in the Tiger Bills project as my brother bought the franchise and wanted me on board as the project manager. When the building was bought it was a shell; the previous owners had stripped it out and had been unable to continue so left the site damaged and run down.

Tiger Bills, Consett

“The restaurant definitely has the wow factor, comprising a takeaway area, bar section, a large impressive bar, and seating in a half-moon shape on a raised deck area. There is also an outside dining section with a children’s play area complete with a climbing frame and slide. So far the restaurant has received great feedback from diners; it has even gained an “excellent” rating on Trip Advisor.”

The development of the outside dining area encountered some difficulties due to the unpredictable weather. At one point construction work had to be put on hold because the weather conditions were too bad to work in. Despite this setback the outside dining area is now completed and is fully landscaped.

The design of the building itself is particularly interesting; the one storey structure stretches seven and a half metres high and is a horseshoe shape at the front. The architects on the project were Hawkridge Design.

Tiger Bills, Consett

The restaurant has 200 covers including the inside and outside dining areas and is much larger than any of the other Tiger Bills franchises. Most of the other restaurants have space for up to 90 diners and so nothing on this scale has been attempted before.

A highlight of Tiger Bills is its great ability to mix cuisines from both the East and West, meaning guests are treated to an extensive, mouthwatering menu, with far too many tempting dishes to choose from. Almost everything on offer at Tiger Bills is prepared fresh on site, so whether it’s Thai street food, sirloin steak or baby back ribs, there really is something for everyone.

Appetisers available at Tiger Bills Consett include breaded mushrooms, deluxe potato skins and a bucket of wings, whilst the lunch menu offers such classic treats as chilli con carne, chicken caesar salad and fajitas. Combo meals are also available, along with steaks, grills, a selection of salads and a kids’ menu.

Those wanting something truly satisfying to sink their teeth into could do a lot worse than selecting from Tiger Bills’ tummy-rumbling Bills Burger selection. From the Stilton & Bacon burger to the Smoked Jack, the Veg Out and the simple, yet rewarding, trusty Classic Burger, the choice covers all bases for burger aficionados.

Tiger Bills, Consett

No meal would be complete without a dessert, and Tiger Bills knows this more than anyone, which has resulted in a small, but satisfying selection of good puds. Brave diners can tackle the likes of chocolate fudge cake, New York cheesecake, a choice of ice creams or the imaginatively titled ‘lumpy bumpy’ – a chocolate cake topped with truffle, cheesecake and a chocolate glaze.

To round out the food menu, Tiger Bills has a jam-packed drinks menu, which includes a choice of wines, beers, soft drinks and alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. Long cocktails include the Alabama Slammer, the Big Mac Daddy and the ever popular mojito.

Project Manager Tony Short said the project has been a “fantastic” opportunity for him. Shorco Electrical Ltd mainly carries out electrical contracting projects but also offers project management services so this project acted as the perfect chance to showcase the company’s skill set.

Shorco Electrical was established in November 2012 and operates from Mill House in Consett, County Durham. The key management of the company consists of experienced managers from the electrical construction industry. The firm provides electrical contracting and installation throughout the north of England and beyond, offering industrial installation and maintenance for retail and commercial developments as well as domestic developments.

Tiger Bills, Consett

One of Shorco Electrical’s previous projects included provided the mechanical and electrical services installation to Mill House Consett. Mill House is a purpose- built combined offices and depot facility for Absolute Civil Engineering and Shorco Electrical Ltd who are situated on Hownsgill Industrial Park; named after the former location of the Hownsgill Plate Mill site which was part of the Consett Steel Works complex.

Shorco Electrical Ltd provided the following specialist services including LTHW heating, Domestic hot & cold water services, Natural gas installation, Disabled alarm systems, Induction loop, LV distribution, Containment systems, Lighting and small power, CCTV and security Systems, Fire alarm, Lighting protection, Data and telecoms and Access control.  

The company’s core disciplines include Project Management, Project Design, Electrical Installation and Planned Maintenance. Managing Director Tony said:

“Project Management is a great task for me as I have contacts across the industry including dry liners, electricians, plumber and air conditioning engineers. Because of these contacts I was well prepared to oversee this project.”

Tiger Bills, Consett

Tony added:

“We are a dynamic, highly skilled, professional organisation serving clients throughout the North of England. We offer effective and efficient electrical solutions to suit all customers’ needs as well as providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet customer requirements.

“We pride ourselves on our commitment to deliver quality, reliability and added value at all times.”

Tiger Bills Consett is overseen by opening manager Abby Kingston-Lee, who has worked for the company for eight years and has previously managed Tiger Bills Torquay since it opened in 2011. Abby is joined by Operations Manager Nathan Towersey, and Local Assistant Managers Rachel and Stephen.

In addition to Tiger Bills’ six UK-based restaurants, Tiger Bills also offers franchise opportunities, which presents a great business model for the right individual to shape their own business. Franchise opportunities are available across several locations in the UK and present financial rewards with a reduced risk.

Tiger Bills, Consett

As a Tiger Bills franchisee, a comprehensive start-up package is available, along with an ongoing support package. Packages include support with site acquisition, marketing and PR information, promotional and POS materials and a five-year renewable license, amongst other important assistance materials.

Tiger Bills fans have the chance to join the Bill’ionaire Club. The Bill’ionaire card gives diners the opportunity to save money whilst eating their favourite dishes; those who join now automatically receive 500 points. Diners will receive 50 points on their card every time they visit, and will gain five points every time they spend a pound in any of the restaurants. As well as allowing diners to rack up points, the card entitles owners to exclusive discounts and offers.

Tiger Bills Consett is open Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 11pm and Friday and Saturday 12pm to 12am.

Tiger Bills, Consett

For more information on the Tiger Bills restaurants, or to book a table, please visit: www.tigerbills.co.uk.

Or if the idea of opening your own Tiger Bills franchise appeals to you, visit www.tigerbillsfranchise.co.uk

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Roma Publications