Hosting Client Meetings at a Restaurant Gets Results
The environment you choose for crucial conversations impacts the listener’s perception and responses, and a restaurant setting balances relaxation with professionalism. Whether it’s a business meeting or a fact-finding discussion, taking clients out for dinner can help smooth the way for success.
Corporate dining can make a change from the office atmosphere, placing you on neutral ground. Rather than harsh fluorescent lighting, a restaurant provides a more comfortable, welcoming space which can set any tension or nerves aside. With a private dining room and quality Indian food, Itihaas is among the Jewellery Quarter’s top corporate dining venues.
Why Meeting Clients at a Restaurant Works
There is a tried and tested tradition in business and legal fields of taking clients and partners for a meal. A working lunch or a celebratory dinner often results in positive outcomes for all stakeholders because of what happens when we eat together.
Creates a lasting impression
Suggesting a dinner meeting shows clients that your company is doing well and values personal relationships, particularly the relationship you are developing with your client. Taking anyone out for lunch or dinner shows that you value and respect them much more than having them meet you at your offices, and the quality of the venue highlights how much.
Meeting at a stylish Indian restaurant with luxurious food makes clients feel looked after, a feeling that often affects how they feel about your work.
No distractions
Unlike busy office environments, a dedicated table lets you focus on your conversation. You won’t be interrupted by phones ringing or people coming and going, and you can escape any tension or atmosphere that is so common in the workplace. Instead, you’ll be meeting in a relaxed environment that encourages connection.
Encourages better conversation
A relaxed setting leads to more open and productive discussions. Eating a meal together comes with its own etiquette that is often shared across cultures, helping you build stronger client relationships.
Because dinners are an expense, you would only invite those who need to be present, reducing the amount of unnecessary viewpoints that might muddy the waters. Furthermore, a restaurant is neutral ground. Your guest will feel more able to challenge your assumptions and express their true opinions than in your office, which will help them to relax.
You can’t dive straight into business like you can in an office. It’s polite to get to know your client more over the starter, hear about their business or background, and share a little about yourself before you get down to the brass tacks.
The main course is more suited to discussing the key issues, as any disagreement can be diffused with a comment on the food.
Dessert and after-dinner drinks can round off a meeting well, sealing final agreements with a drink.
Itihaas is the Perfect Choice for Business Meetings
Our restaurant in central Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is convenient for many businesses in the city, being a short walk from Colemore Row and St Paul’s Square.
Our elegant interior creates a refined atmosphere that is ideal for professional meetings, being quiet and comfortable enough for productive conversations.
A Restaurant with Presentation Facilities
The only downside to hosting meetings over a meal is sharing presentations. Luckily, Itihaas can now provide the best of both.
We have recently added digital screens to our private dining room for guest use. Simply connect your laptop and load your slide deck to the screen.
Bookings that include our presentation screens will also benefit from complimentary canapés and our Nespresso coffee bar.
Recommended Dishes for Business Meetings
While some restaurants offer corporate dining menus, our guests are welcome to choose. From light bites to an indulgent main course, your dinner meeting can adapt the time available and the tone of your discussion.
Our a’la carte menu is a firm favourite for the solicitors, executives and business owners who meet at our restaurant. We offer a range of Tandoor-cooked starters and Chaat, as well as vegetable plates. Our main courses include meat curries and vegetarian curries, so your clients have plenty to choose from.
We also have a range of set menus to support budgeting for client dinners. For parties of 8 or more, the Itihaas Set Menu offers a wide-ranging banquet experience with Rogan Josh, Makhani Daal and Pistachio Gajar Halwa for dessert.
Our Thali menus offer a more laid-back, traditional Indian dining experience with unlimited refills. Our Executive Thali meal features Goan Fish Curry, Delhi Butter Chicken and a succulent Railway Lamb Curry, served with naan and cumin-spiced rice. Vegetarian and Vegan Thali plates are also available.
How to Book Your Business Lunch or Dinner at Itihaas
Build positive client relationships with a corporate dinner at the best Indian restaurant in Birmingham. You can book a table online or contact us to book our private room: The Tiffin Suite.
