The light is at the end of the tunnel in the form of a giant orange ball in the sky!

Yes, after finally reaching the end of the long process of harmonisation, Piazza season started with a sunny welcome for the newest sites. As sales followed temperatures through the roof, it can only mean that summer is ours for the taking and ruled by the barmy Iguanas army!

It’s been an exciting month with Rio, the build up to Awards and a Hairy Biker visiting the Harrogate crew.

Hi Team Iguanas

The time is here… yes it’s the Las Iguanas Annual Awards bash. This year’s event looks to be the best yet, with plenty of entertainment and of course booze to keep you going. Sadly, I won’t be doing the Britney performance as unfortunately not enough money has been raised yet. I’m sticking to my word that we need

£10,000 for me to make a complete “spectacle” of

myself. So, I have said to Danny I would rather you

keep raising money, and when you hit the £10,000 I will do something horrendous for you all. One suggestion, which I can honestly say fills me with dread, is doing a bushtucker trial, where I get to eat 5 repulsive creatures or parts of their “private parts” …. I suppose it could be worse, I could be sent to some of our closest competitors to eat!

Recently you completed the Staff Survey. Firstly a massive thank you to each and every one of you who filled it in. The data and findings have now finally been passed over to me, and although there are some truly great things going on in the business, there are some opportunities to improve. You have known me long enough now, that I would focus on what we are not doing right. I promise you ALL we are going to be working hard to make sure that the things that people don’t like are changed, so we can continue to be the employer of choice for you.

Lastly, I want to confirm that we do not plan to make any changes to your staff benefits or perks as a result of the new national living wage, which came into

force in April 2016.

I wanted to assure you of this, as I know some of you may have seen recent press stories suggesting other restaurant groups and hospitality companies are doing the opposite – making cuts or changes to staff benefits – and may be concerned that we’ll follow suit. Therefore, please be assured that we will not be taking any such action. We will not be cutting, or making changes to, staff benefits or perks, which

include: the 50% staff discount card and provision, hot

meals when working a shift or discounted staff menu. Given our aim to be recognised as the best company in the UK restaurant market to work for, it’s important that we maintain our current package of benefits, and we are proud to do so.

See you at the awards!

Adios

Mos

Once again a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to give your honest feedback in the Big Engagement survey which took place a few months ago.

It was a monotonous task going through all of the important data that was gained, but Angela Da Silva got there in the end and has briefed all of the Operations Managers on the results.

Over the coming weeks your managers will take you through the full individual results of your specific restaurants data, so that together as a team you can clearly see how you can adapt to improve the work life at your site.

This month was all about the one and only Race to Rio trip - a once in a lifetime all expenses paid holiday for the cream of the crop, high flyers who topped the league table of Mystery Diner Star Service.

With their hotel situated a stones throw from both Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the guys enjoyed roof top Caipirinha’s in the pool whilst taking in the views.

With VIP guided tours from our good friend Zeca Cordeiro, they explored the realms of authentic Latin hospitality with ‘meet my host dinner’ where they spent an evening in a family home for a traditional Brazilian meal. They met the legend of Las Iguanas Joao Luis at his home and then on to his Cachaca farm to learn how the spirit is made and most importantly a visit to our very own sugar cane field which produces our amazing branded Cachaca.

With a sunset cruise around Guanabara Bay, visits to sugar loaf mountain, Christ the Redeemer and the Maracana Stadium. A Tijuca Forest jeep tour and guided walk around the Favelas. A private Salsa lesson, a paraglide over the beach, lots of Brazilian food and cocktails, it’s fair to say that everyone brought back the Latin Vibe. Hope you had an amazing time!

The celebrations keep on coming as we say a BIG warm welcome to our newest restaurants in Newcastle Quayside and Basingstoke.

Someone get me some gravy, because it’s a Northern takeover at the top of the table!

Deansgate still sitting pretty at

number 1 and with only a couple

of months until this round is

done, can they hold on to win 4 places to Rio?

With Blackpool in a comfortable position, there is definitely a

dogfight for 3rd position as Trafford come from behind to sniff Blackpool’s rear-end. Swansea tasted success last year and are still biting at Trafford’s ankles, so can they be the underdog in this pit fight?

A huge well done to Ana and

Jonathan who get 50p/hour added on to all shifts worked throughout the entire month the amigo visited.

Remember, check-out this months FOCUS POINTS and you could help your team get up the table for a chance to go to Rio whilst earning a little monetary bonus yourself.

P11 P12 P13 P14 Average

Deansgate 95.30% 95.80% 99.70% 96.91% 96.93%

Blackpool 95.80% 95.40% 96.30% 93.71% 95.30%

Trafford 98.40% 88.10% 89.90% 99.53% 93.98%

Swansea 92.30% 98.50% 96.40% 88.14% 93.84%

Derby 89.80% 97.10% 99.10% 76.75% 90.69%

Newcastle 89.40% 93.80% 94.20% 84.56% 90.49%

Sheffield 79.90% 88.20% 94.90% 96.83% 89.96%

Exeter 92.10% 83.40% 96.50% 85.76% 89.44%

Cardiff ML 94.90% 81.60% 95.40% 84.81% 89.18% Liverpool 88.20% 94.90% 80.90% 91.29% 88.82%

So, for the lucky Iguanas sampling this year’s ceremony, forget what you know about the Awards because this year is a complete re-shuffle. Dress to impress, (smart wear & cocktail dress), think colourful vibrant & classy.

CHECK OUT LAST YEARS EVENT AT…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzq3pmDpD98

CHECK OUT LAST YEARS CHALLENGE…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IWewKr3ok4

Some exciting specs have come in for your fresh & exciting ‘on brand’ bar snack and small tapas dishes. Watch this space to see who is going through to the Semi-Final on

PRIZES - 1st place - £1000 prize + dish on the menu, 2nd place - £500 prize, 3rd place - £250 prize

Junior Sous Chef Brighton Junior Sous Chef/Sous Chef London Head Chef Romford Sous Chef Romford Junior Sous Chef Romford Head Chef Brighton Marina Sous Chef Chelmsford Sous Chef Brighton Marina Sous Chef Braintree Junior Sous Chef Brighton Marina Junior Sous Chef Braintree Sous Chef Harrogate Junior/Sous/Senior Sous Chef Newcastle Quays

Assistant Manager Bath Assistant Manager Cambridge Assistant Manager Gunwharf General Manager Cardiff General Manager O2 Deputy Manager Aberdeen Assistant Manager Liverpool Deputy Manager Liverpool Assistant Manager Woking Assistant /Deputy Manager London Assistant Manager Chelmsford Assistant /Deputy Manager Basingstoke General Manager Romford Deputy Manager Romford Assistant Manager Romford Deputy /Assistant Manager Brighton Marina Head Chef Coventry Head Chef Glasgow Head Chef Oxford Sous Chef Harbourside Head Chef Blackpool Sous Chef Exeter Head Chef Brighton Senior SC/Sous Chef Edinburgh CDP Leamington Spa Sous Chef Brighton CDP Cambridge Sous Chef Reading Sous Chef Cribbs Causeway CDP Mermaid Quay

Brighton Marina

Tatajana Hotulova Edinburgh Adam Fourde Coventry Anna Gacek Cambridge Migle Jakstyle Birmingham RW Dave Adams Torquay Corey Palmer Cardiff Agata Kozyra RFH

“HOLY GRAIL OF FOOD AND DRINKS”

Been to las iguanas a few times now and my goodness does it not fail to

amaze me every time... Quality cocktails by fabulous bartenders and 10/10 for food, cannot fault. Been served by Annie a few times now and she is

always SOOO helpful and welcoming 5 star customer service.

“Great food and drink”

First night opening so very busy but great food and atmos-phere, great cocktails made by your cocktail maker Billy great service from Charlie, all in all enjoyable experience.

“Very Good food and Excellent Service”

I am a regular visitor to Las Iguanas and decided to take my girlfriend there to try the food. The food was amazing as always and the service was exceptional. I would recommend this place for either a social drink or to try the food. A good time had and many more to follow.

We have visited Las Iguanas on many occasions over the years as we love the food. The experience we had in Newport was by far the best we have had. The atmosphere, the service, the food the cocktails were outstanding and we will be visiting again very soon. Well done!!!!!

“Most amazing service!”

Had to leave a review for our waitress, Paulina. I've been to this Las Iguanas 5 times and it's only been open a month, the service and quality are incredible! We were here for a birthday tonight and Paulina made sure everything was perfect - we've been looked after so well and the evening has been really special. Thank you very much Paulina! :)

Staff seem to be enjoying themselves & enjoy seeing the guests enjoy themselves.

“Yum! ”

Recently ate here and thoroughly enjoyed all courses. The restaurant was busy but the service was still

good. Food was serviced quickly and was very nice. Recommend the fajitas!

Cocktails were also 2-4-1 which was good. A relaxed atmosphere.

The jolliest staff I have seen serving in a long time! Amazing