Case Study: A New Website for The Tannin Level
My client:
The Tannin Level, one of Harrogate's most loved independent restaurants, established in 1985. Set in a Victorian mansion on Raglan Street, renowned for both exceptional modern British cuisine and a carefully curated wine list.
The brief:
A fresh, modern website that would honour The Tannin Level's 40-year heritage and Victorian elegance whilst showcasing the quality of the food, the care taken with sourcing, and the warmth of the dining experience. Critically, John needed a CMS that was straightforward and intuitive — one where he could update menus without technical hassle.
The challenge:
The Tannin Level had built an enviable reputation in Harrogate for exceptional food and wines, but their online presence wasn't reflecting that quality. The old website's clunky CMS meant John was spending time wrestling with technology instead of running the restaurant. The website needed to capture the character and elegance of the Victorian setting, tell the story of their Yorkshire provenance commitment, and — most importantly — make it easy for John to keep menus and information up to date without frustration.
What we did:
Working closely with John, I redesigned the website from the ground up, focusing on:
- A clear, compelling introduction to their philosophy: Yorkshire on a plate — showcasing their commitment to seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients
- Strong visual storytelling — using photography to bring the dishes, the setting, and the dining experience to life
- An intuitive CMS that makes updating menus, seasonal specials, and restaurant information simple and stress-free
- Easy access to menus, reservations and key information — simple navigation for busy diners
- Highlighting what makes them different: heritage, provenance, quality, and independence in a sector dominated by chains
The result:
The new site has helped The Tannin Level connect more effectively with diners who value quality, provenance, and authenticity — and given John back his time:
“We were in desperate need of a website update, and after trolling around the internet I found Katie: she instantly 'got' our brand and what we were trying to achieve and was able to reflect this in her design work from the very start. The whole process was clear, well structured and affordable, and of course the end product is a joy! Thank you Katie...”
— John Roberts, Owner, The Tannin Level, Harrogate
The best restaurant websites tell the restaurant's story, convert browsers into bookings, and stay easy to maintain as menus and seasons change.
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