Last week we decided we would eat out as a way of rewarding ourselves for the time we had spent looking after our small grandson.* We elected to go to a small local restaurant within walking distance of the house, operated by the newly-opened Origins deli. It is very idiosyncratic, but the food is very good indeed, and I’m sure we will look for an opportunity (excuse) to eat there again.
As we sat and ate, however, my wife said suddenly, “Have you noticed what is missing?” I was puzzled for a moment, but then she remarked, “There are no pictures!” It was indeed a pleasant-enough environment, but the walls of this fairly large room were completely bare. Immediately I realised what she was driving at.
Regular readers of the blog will know that one of my most successful exhibiting venues over several years has been a “gastro-pub” not far away called The Square & Compass, that has generously allowed me to display my work on the walls of their bar, normally on the subject of the local Almscliff Crag. We have built up a very good relationship, and although they don’t demand a commission I do make a point of sending them a percentage of earnings from sales I make there.
Following my wife’s remark I wonder if it would be a good idea to offer a similar deal to the Origins deli? It is too soon to say that I am “in with a chance”, although I have been building a rapport with them as a customer. Certainly I will look for a suitable opportunity to raise the subject with them. Wish me luck!
*OK, it brings its own reward, but my word don’t you spend a lot of time doing it?