Elevating Fine Dining

Restaurant Purslane chooses Hounö CombiSlim solution

The HOUNÖ CombiSlim oven enhances efficiency and consistency at Purslane Restaurant in Gloucestershire, enabling precise cooking and baking in a fine-dining kitchen

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Enhancing Efficiency and Consistency in a Fine-Dining Kitchen

Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, Purslane Restaurant is a celebrated fine-dining establishment in the Cotswolds, renowned for its modern British seafood cuisine. For over 13 years, owners Gareth and Helena Fulford have been delivering exceptional dining experiences, with a focus on sustainably sourced seafood from British waters. With 28 seats, the small, family-run restaurant maintains a strong focus on quality, precision, and consistency in its menu offerings. A key contributor to achieving these high standards is the HOUNÖ CombiSlim oven, installed by Target Catering Equipment in 2019.

Compact. Versatile. Efficient.

A compact powerhouse for a small kitchen

Operating within a compact kitchen space, Purslane Restaurant needed an oven that could deliver versatility without compromising on performance. The HOUNÖ CombiSlim 1.10 – a 10-grid compact combi oven – has been a game-changer for the restaurant.

“With its small fitting, CombiSlim is ideal for the space that we have” says Gareth Fulford, chef and owner of Purslane.

Despite being in use for several years, he informs that the oven still looks brand new, a testament to its durability and easy maintenance.

Learn more about CombiSlim oven here

Versatility in daily service

The HOUNÖ CombiSlim plays an integral role in Purslane’s daily operations. The restaurant uses the oven for a wide range of functions, from service to bread making and meat preparation.

During service, we rely on the steam roast function, allowing us to precisely control the humidity levels. We bake all our own breads – four distinct varieties – and utilise the oven’s specialised bread functions to achieve perfect results every time
– Gareth Fulford (owner)

The oven’s preheat function is invaluable when sealing joints of meat before braising, ensuring precise temperature control. The dry heat and steam combinations also contribute to consistent cooking results across the menu, whether for delicate puff pastries or steamed fish.

An Investment in

Precision baking and proving for perfect bread

Bread is an essential component of Purslane’s offerings, and the CombiSlim ensures perfection every time. The oven’s specialised bread function allows the team to set timers and adjust heat parameters for optimal baking results.

“The bread function is incredibly intuitive – you simply set the timer, and it automatically adjusts the heat based on your baking parameters, such as duration and desired crust colour. The bread comes out perfect every time,” Gareth shares.

The proving function has also streamlined kitchen operations, eliminating the need to rely on fluctuating ambient temperatures.

“This has been incredibly beneficial to our daily workflow, providing a stable and controlled proving environment. Instead of waiting for the bread to prove on the counter, we can place it directly into the oven, let it prove, and seamlessly switch to the baking function, ensuring consistent results every time,” he adds.

Learn more about Invoq Bake solution

Perfectly steamed seafood

Given the restaurant’s specialization in seafood, precise cooking techniques are crucial. The CombiSlim’s low-temperature steaming function has become a staple in preparing fish to perfection.

“One of the standout features for us is the low-temperature steaming, set around 40 degrees, which keeps the fish incredibly moist and tender while preserving its natural opacity and giving it a delicate shimmer,” says Gareth.

Easy maintenance for a busy kitchen

Ease of use extends beyond cooking functions. The oven’s self-cleaning capabilities have proven to be an invaluable time-saver in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

“Cleaning the oven is really easy – you simply select the appropriate cleaning cycle based on the level of use, ensuring optimal hygiene and performance with minimal effort,” Gareth notes.

A trusted kitchen companion

Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the CombiSlim remained a reliable tool in the kitchen, helping Purslane adapt to takeaway services while maintaining their high culinary standards.

“The oven has significantly improved the consistency of our dishes, saving us valuable time in the kitchen, and we’re really pleased with it,” Gareth concludes.

For a restaurant that prides itself on precision, quality, and efficiency, the HOUNÖ CombiSlim has proven to be an indispensable asset in Purslane’s kitchen. From perfecting bread and pastries to ensuring the best seafood dishes, this compact yet powerful oven continues to elevate the restaurant’s culinary excellence.