Newman serves up new website for diners

AN ENTREPRENEUR from Cheshire who helped mastermind the success of the Living Venture chain of bars and restaurants is preparing to launch a new website for diners.

Paul Newman, 44, plans to launch AuctionTables.com in June to allow restaurants to fill empty slots while controlling their reserve price and providing customers with the chance to save money.

Mr Newman has invested £40,000 in the website which he is launching in conjunction with a Liverpool-based web-design company called IAW, which stands for ‘It’s About Websites’.

AuctionTables.com will initially be focused on restaurants in Manchester, Liverpool and Cheshire but he intends to launch similar websites in London and Ireland next year.

It will take a percentage of any online booking made by a diner.

Mr Newman also hopes to widen the website out in time to include: AuctionBeds.com, covering hotel rooms; AuctionSpas.com, allowing people to source spa breaks; AuctionFlats.com, which will provide access to serviced apartments; and AuctionEvents.com, for companies seeking corporate hospitality.

He said: “This venture offers a win-win scenario for both the diner and the restaurateur.

“AuctionTables.com allows the restaurant to set a reserve price which means that they cover their costs and ensure that as many tables as possible are occupied.

“But it also means that diners can secure a bargain for themselves.”

Paul left Living Ventures – where he worked as marketing manager when it ran The Living Room, Gusto and Blackhouse Grills – in 2006.

He subsequently established The Residence Bar and Restaurant, in Nantwich, in 2007 which has gone on to win industry awards.

“I’ve got a young family and I felt that the time was now right to do something new which didn’t see me out to all hours on a Friday and Saturday night – although I’m still involved with The Residence,” he adds.

“AuctionTables.com has been launched after several years of research and consultation with colleagues within the industry like Tim Bacon, the managing director of Living Ventures.
 
“I’ve also been speaking to several well-known restaurants around the region and they are all very keen to get involved.”