BUSINESS - Focus

Mark Sainsbury owner of Moro restaurant, talks to Dominic O'Neill about success, Starbucks and Exmouth grunge

Why did you decide to open a business in Islington?
We liked the people in the area. There were less suits, and more creative, design-orientated people. It had a certain edge.

This year marks Moro’s tenth birthday. What was the area like when you first opened?
When we moved here, Exmouth Market was pretty run-down. Every other shop was either closed down, or closing down. It was pretty grungy.

What was the secret to your success?
We like to think we are a little different. There is no other restaurant like us. If you’re doing something that’s a little bit different, you’re not ripping people off, and you’ve got happy staff - those are the three crucial elements to a successful restaurant. If you add into the equation a great location, you’re pretty much there.

What is the situation now? Is Islington still on the up?
Five years ago, Exmouth Market itself was on the crest of wave of success. There was real hype about it. People have got over that now.
People are still moving to Clerkenwell, and the residential population is growing. But nowadays, it’s becoming a bit of a hard grind. Retailers especially are having a very hard time.

What has made things more difficult for business in your area?
There has been a big change in the rent. The likes of Caffè Nero, Starbucks, and Subway have really pushed the rents up. It’s a nightmare.

What can you do to get round these problems?
When you can’t compete on scale, you can compete by going a bit more niche, a bit more specialist, a bit more local. There are inherent advantages to being small. Paying attention to detail is easier when you’re small, and that is very important.

What are your plans for the future?
I have already opened a hotel, and we sell cookery books. I hope one day to do a members club. I like the idea of doing a Tapas Bar too. I have lots of spin-off ideas. Diversity is the spice of life.

Read More......