Taybarns

Taybarns was a British restaurant chain that offered an all-you-can-eat buffet. It was known for providing a wide variety of dishes, catering to different tastes and dietary requirements. The concept behind Taybarns was to combine the variety of a buffet with the ambiance of a traditional British pub. This unique dining experience attracted families, groups, and individuals looking for an affordable meal with a diverse selection of food options.

History

Taybarns was launched in 2008 by Whitbread, a large multinational hotel, coffee shop, and restaurant company, which also owns Premier Inn and Costa Coffee among other brands. The first Taybarns restaurant opened in Swansea, aiming to offer a new dining experience that differed from the traditional sit-down meal service. The concept was to provide a high-quality, all-you-can-eat buffet at a fixed price, offering great value for money.

Despite initial success and a positive reception from customers, Taybarns faced challenges in the highly competitive casual dining market. In 2016, Whitbread announced the closure of the Taybarns chain, converting most of its locations into Beefeater restaurants, another brand under the Whitbread umbrella. The decision was part of a strategic move to focus on brands with higher growth potential.

Concept and Offerings

The Taybarns concept was centered around a 34-meter-long buffet, featuring a wide range of dishes from different cuisines, including British, Italian, American, and Asian. The buffet included starters, mains, desserts, and a salad bar, allowing customers to sample a variety of dishes during their visit. The fixed price for the buffet made it a popular choice for families and large groups, providing a cost-effective dining option.

Key features of Taybarns included:

• A live cooking station where chefs prepared dishes in front of customers.
• A focus on fresh ingredients and the option for customers to customize their meals.
• A casual dining atmosphere that encouraged customers to stay and enjoy their meal at their own pace.

Locations

Taybarns operated several locations across the United Kingdom, primarily in England and Wales. These restaurants were often situated near other Whitbread properties, such as Premier Inn hotels, leveraging the synergy between the brands to attract customers.

Closure

The closure of Taybarns in 2016 marked the end of the brand's experiment in the all-you-can-eat buffet market. Whitbread's decision to convert the existing Taybarns locations into Beefeater restaurants was influenced by the desire to streamline its portfolio and invest in brands with a clearer growth trajectory.

Legacy

Although Taybarns no longer operates, its brief existence in the UK dining scene left a mark on the all-you-can-eat buffet market. It demonstrated the challenges and opportunities within the casual dining sector, particularly in offering a unique dining concept at an affordable price point. The transition of Taybarns locations to Beefeater restaurants also reflects the dynamic nature of the restaurant industry, where brands continuously evolve to meet changing consumer preferences.