Harrison

Who are you?

My name is Sam Harrison and I am a Restaurateur based in West London. I own and operate six outlets, all in West London. In Hammersmith we have our restaurant Sam’s Riverside, our deli shop Sam’s Larder and our café Sam’s Kitchen. In Chiswick we have our second Sam’s Kitchen and in Brentford we have another restaurant Sam’s Waterside and our second Sam’s Larder. I was born and bought up in Fulham and now I live in Hammersmith, with my wife and two year old daughter.

What’s your business all about?

Our business is all about hospitality and looking after our guests. My name is above the door as I want our guests to feel that they are visiting my home and will be looked after by me or one of my team. Without our loyal and local guests, we don’t have anything.

Three words to describe yourself?

Passionate, workaholic, driven.

Ideal customer?

Everyone! I want our business to be approachable to all. Come for coffee on a Monday morning, a simple lunch on a Wednesday or a blowout dinner at the weekend!

Biggest achievement?

I think surviving the pandemic and being able to grow again afterwards - it was very tough. I am very proud of employing 120 people.

Biggest gripe?

I think government needs to do more to help and support small business. There needs to be more reward/ upside for the risks we take as entrepreneurs- we put our necks on the line to create/ open new businesses and create jobs etc. It would be good to feel that this was more recognised

Your inspiration?

Before opening my first restaurant in Chiswick in 2005, I worked for Rick Stein in Padstow. I learned most of what I know about restaurants from Rick and his ex-wife Jill. They taught me so much and always encouraged me to follow my dreams. Their management style and work ethic, was truly inspirational to me.

Philosophy in business?

Happy team, happy guests, happy business. My team are the core of everything we do. They work so hard to deliver consistently great hospitality and food. It is my role to make sure they have the support and structure to do this day in and day out.

Sporting hero?

Goran Ivanisevic - I love tennis and I was obsessed with Goran when I was growing. In 2001 Goran was a wild card at Wimbledon and I managed to go to the final and see him beat Pat Rafter in 5 sets - it was the greatest live sport I have ever seen.

Biggest tip for success?

Work hard every day. Success in anything takes work, work and more work. Look at Novak Djokovic - there is a reason he is still competing at the age of 37. Success and consistency in business, takes a lot of hard work.

I think government needs to do more to help and support small business. There needs to be more reward/ upside for the risks we take as entrepreneurs- we put our necks on the line to create/ open new businesses and create jobs etc. It would be good to feel that this was more recognised

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