The Dairy: Part 3, desserts and service

The third and final part of The Dairy shoot with Chef Robin Gill, dessert course

Welcome back, in this final episode of The Dairy I photographed my favourite course, dessert and I had the pleasure of full access to the pass during service.

If you’re not as familiar with restaurants as I am, the pass is where it all comes together before sending out the food to the tables. It’s high energy, high pressure and if you’re a photographer, it’s where you’re going to be in the way if you’re not careful. Much of the kitchen action can be seen from the pass so it’s a pleasure to be invited to capture the action, especially during a busy Saturday lunch service.

 

 

Lunchtime

Things were warming up at The Dairy, customers were beginning to fill the tables, the chatter of expectant, hungry diners began to rise and the atmosphere was warm, joyful and expectant. In amongst the hive of activity of the kitchen came some of the most delicious desserts I’ve had the pleasure of photographing.  Rooftop beeswax custard, Earl Grey, peach and salted caramel, cacao, malted barley ice cream  just to name two. Delicious!!

 

 

 

 

Warm indeed

On this day, the weather was quite humid. This isn’t conducive to taking your time when shooting these foods. Ice cream quickly melts and can be all over your plate in no time. The best part of the dessert course was after nailing the images I needed for Robin. You often get some strange looks when you’re photographing in full view of the public, this time there was a spot of envy in their eyes too. It’d be a sin to leave these gloriously tasty desserts, so I did the only decent thing… Yum! 🙂

There was just one more dessert to photograph but by now the restaurant was buzzing with a hungry lunchtime crowd. Some sat casually on the patio out front enjoying cocktails where they can watch the rest of Clapham busying themselves on Saturday afternoon.

 

 

The other punters, mostly small groups of friends, sat inside, near the kitchen and, I’m sure, discussed all manner of things. There was a buzz in The Dairy, a real and tangible hum of excitement, it was quite something to feel. It spread across the restaurant and you could see it weaving a magic in the kitchen.

 

 

 

 

Service!

I stood next to the pass watching the chefs at work, each person, knowing precisely what they were doing, perfectly cooking the components for the dishes I’d already shot. The Dairy has a pretty small kitchen, Robin said that was a deliberate decision, he’s worked in very large and small kitchens and smaller is what he preferred. A very different environment from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons where Robin Gill had worked before.

 

 

The interaction with the team at The Dairy was fantastic to see, I love to watch passionate and gifted people at their work. Not everyone shares their passion for the restaurant business but you can share in the passion of your own gift. That’s part of why I’m a story teller, telling the tails with pictures and helping others share their story with you.

 

 

The last dessert was brought out to me, photographed, eaten and we were just about done. All except a group shot of as many staff as we could whilst keeping the restaurant manned. I was pleased when Robin said he didn’t want everyone standing out front or the restaurant, it didn’t say what The Dairy was about to me. I suggested a rooftop garden shot, which I think was a good call. I perched on the edge of the building to get a pleasing angle to capture an environmental group shot. You have to work fast, the restaurant is still open and chefs don’t like leaving their kitchen, especially when it comes to photographs. The humour doesn’t stop which I love to see and I took a couple of sneaky snaps as we got the team together.

 

 

We got a nice shot with most of the main team and it fits the story of The Dairy, an outstanding restaurant making itself known in the big city. You really must pay them a visit.

 

 

Homeward bound

It was time to say goodbye and get back on the road for home. I was feeling very grateful for the days opportunity, I’d had an amazing shoot. As I packed my gear in my trusty little car I was excited to find out what I’d come away with but more so, what Robin Gill and his team would think of the results.

Heading north again, I stopped in to Brian’s place to return the lens I borrowed, gave him a quick download of the day over a very welcome brew, then it was back to the road. My old friend, The Moon, was visible in the sky and there was one more treat the day had in store for me….

 

 

Caffeine break

It wasn’t long after The Moon came out that I felt the need for a little pick-me-up for the final three hours drive. A nice coffee was just the ticket.

 

Home at last

The drive home went quite quickly and I’ve always loved that final stretch of road that takes you home, wherever I’ve lived. The familiarity kind of welcomes your return. It was a long day but an amazing one and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. When you love what you do and you’re helping others make more of their hard work, you’ll go way above and beyond. I love it!

 

 

The Birthday girl

I was so impressed by The Dairy a few weeks later I brought my lovely wife to London for her birthday lunch. We were treated like kings and I can’t thank Robin and his team enough for inviting me in to capture a little part of their story and a beautiful birthday treat for Mrs T.
I’m very proud to say the photos will be appearing on The Dairy’s new website, coming soon.

Well, that’s it from me for today. I hope you’ve enjoyed coming along with me to The Dairy, if you’ve missed part 1 or 2 you can click on the following links to zip back to them. Part 1 Part 2 Have a fantastic weekend everyone. See you back here very soon.