Patrick White

The first Lincoln Toby Carvery is opening on August 17, and The Lincolnite has been given a special look at the renovation inside and the staff training.

A number of large changes have been made to the building that previously housed the Glasshouse, including the inside balcony, which has been taken out.

A total of five employees who previously worked for The Glasshouse now work at the Mitchells & Butlers restaurant, including the assistant manager.

Jo Carter, manager of the Toby Carvery, said: “All the staff have been working really hard over the past few weeks. They are in everyday for about seven hours and are participating in team building and role-playing exercises.

“This is the fourth Toby Carvery that I’ve worked in and this starter training is crucial. We are currently working on till training and carving training, which involves all the front of house staff being served as quickly as possible by the carver.

“They have to get used to the volume of customers that we expect to receive and the kind of pressure they will be working under.

“The building is hugely different to what it used to be. The primary entrance to the building is now the back and with the balcony gone, we have a huge open space.

“Everything is going well so far and the place is full of smiles. Everyone is excited for the opening and we can’t wait to serve Lincoln residents our food.”

Half-price bookings

As an opening treat, Toby Carvery Lincoln is inviting guests to attend special pre-opening events on Monday, August 15 and Tuesday, August 16.

Bookings are still available and those who attend will get 50% off of their food bill.

To register your place at the pre-opening events email Toby Carvery Lincoln with your contact details and state which day you would like to attend, along with the preferred time.

Photos: Samantha Fisher for The Lincolnite

Family portrait: John, Trisha and Mark Cotton

Art to love, a Web-based art supplier, is opening a store on Lincoln on Friday, August 12. All the work has been done by family and friends, and the gallery has taken two months to refit and organise.

The family run store, which is located on the 396 High Street, will supply a range of paintings including limited edition and originals, some of which are affordable, while others cost thousands.

The website was set up with the concept of selling pieces of art that the owners loved, instead of the traditional portraits of flowers and landscapes.

The store is owned by John Cotton, who also runs a cycling business, and his wife Trisha. The two met while ballroom dancing and were drawn into the art world by a painting which featured a couple doing the same.

Owner’s choice: Mark’s favourite piece entitled ‘Hidden’

Small beginnings

John Cotton, co-owner of Art to love, said: “Art has really been a passion of mine only in recent years. Since my wife and I saw the painting, we have been collecting ever since.

“My son, Mark, created the website in February 2010 and the store will be a way of expanding what we have already created there.”

Since the website has been created, the family have seen a number of orders from customers but little demand from their hometown of Lincoln.

Mark Cotton, co-owner of Art to love, said: “We are hoping that this store will invite people in from outside. It is hard when you just sell online because it’s difficult for people to stumble across you.

“Seeing a painting online bares no comparison on seeing it in the flesh. Although the store is small, everyone has to start somewhere and I think we have done a great job with it.”

Room with a view: A glimpse into the back room which houses a number of paintings

Local calling

Art to love will be hosting promotion for local artists and have already been contacted by a number of Lincoln based painters. An opening party will be held on Friday, August 12, to celebrate the new gallery and all are invited to attend the event.

The gallery will be open 9.30am to 5pm every day, except Tuesdays and Sundays.