The Fortescue Inn, Salcombe

Replacement Dumbwaiter Installation at the Fortescue Inn, Salcombe

The Fortescue Inn, a well-established and popular public house and restaurant located in the heart of Salcombe, required the replacement of an ageing dumbwaiter system that had been in service for over 35 years. Over time, the equipment had reached the end of its practical service life, with increasing reliability issues and frequent breakdowns.

In a busy restaurant environment, the impact of downtime was significant, affecting operational efficiency, staff workflow and customer service. The owners therefore required a modern, reliable replacement system that would:

  • Improve reliability and reduce the risk of unplanned breakdowns
  • Provide safe and efficient transportation of food and goods between floors
  • Comply with current safety standards and regulations
  • Fit within the existing building constraints with minimal disruption to daily operations

In addition, the solution needed to be sympathetic to the character of the historic building while delivering modern performance and safety.

The Solution

TJ Lift Solutions designed, supplied and installed a new 100 kg capacity dumbwaiter serving two floors with adjacent entry configuration, tailored to the operational needs of the Fortescue Inn.

The new system was engineered to integrate seamlessly within the existing shaft and building structure, ensuring minimal building alterations and reduced installation time. Key features of the installation included:

  • 100 kg rated load capacity suitable for commercial catering use
  • Two-floor service with adjacent entry for efficient loading and unloading
  • Modern control and safety systems in line with current standards
  • Robust construction designed for frequent daily use in a demanding hospitality environment
  • Improved reliability and ease of maintenance compared with the legacy system

Throughout the project, careful planning and coordination were undertaken to minimise disruption to the Inn’s trading operations, ensuring the restaurant could continue to function effectively during the works.

The Outcome

The new dumbwaiter installation has delivered a significant improvement in reliability, safety and operational efficiency for the Fortescue Inn. The system not only met but exceeded the performance and functionality requirements outlined by the owners, providing a future-proof solution suited to the demands of a busy restaurant.

Since commissioning, the Inn has benefited from:

  • Reduced downtime and maintenance issues
  • Improved workflow between kitchen and service areas
  • Enhanced safety and compliance with current regulations
  • A modern, dependable lifting solution aligned with the long-term needs of the business

 

About the Fortescue Inn

The Fortescue Inn is a historic and well-loved establishment in Salcombe, Devon, with a reputation for quality food, welcoming hospitality and its central position within the town. Named after the Fortescue family, who have long-standing historical connections to Devon, the Inn has served locals and visitors for generations.

As Salcombe has developed into one of the South Hams’ most popular coastal destinations, the Fortescue Inn has evolved to meet the expectations of modern diners while retaining its traditional character and charm. The recent dumbwaiter modernisation forms part of the Inn’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards of service, safety and operational efficiency within a historic setting.

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