Well impressed by Williams: Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort introduces British-made catering equipment for the first time.

The Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort, St Croix, in the US Virgin Islands, is a luxury resort in a paradise setting. Guests expect the best and to make sure they get it the hotel recently refurbished the kitchen of its Saman restaurant, which offers a hybrid Italian/Indian à la carte menu.

Serving up to 120 covers, it has an open air dining terrace, featuring ocean views, as well as indoor seating. This being the USVI, European catering equipment is virtually unheard of, yet the hotel chose Williams Refrigeration, manufactured in King’s Lynn, for its new kitchen. Carlos Philip is director of Innovation St Lucia, the company responsible for the design, supply and installation of the project. “The head chef at the Saman had worked in Europe, so he was familiar with this type of equipment,” he says. “When I showed him the Williams Refrigeration products he was very keen – and trusted my recommendation as I was a former executive chef!”

Since the hotel had no other European catering equipment, the management were initially reluctant to make the change, “But now they’ve seen it in operation they’re very happy with everything,” says Carlos. The Williams equipment at the Resort includes a wide variety of counter fridges and freezers, from both the Jade and Aztra lines, as well as speciality food preparation equipment such as the Onyx prep station. Several of the counters are fitted with drawers rather than doors, giving more convenient access to ingredients while saving energy.

There are also several of Williams’ Thermowell models, which are countertop self-contained refrigerated well units for storing fresh, chilled ingredients, keeping them safe while giving easy access to chefs preparing dishes such as salads and pizzas. “The management and staff are using European products for the first time, and are loving this kitchen, especially the quality of the Williams units,” says Carlos.