You must recall when the internet almost broke recently after Sir Elton John turned up at a Cannes restaurant to sing his latest hit ‘Cold Heart (PNAU remix)’.  Choking on their foie gras, patrons were treated to the impromptu performance by the 74-year-old rock legend, who urged them to dance on tables and wave their napkins.  The performance was streamed live on Instagram and it went nuts!

The surprise event highlighted the importance of music in restaurants.  It’s often the invisible ingredient in an establishment’s success.  It can make or break the sensory experience of dining out.

When you think back to your own experiences and your last great night out, you may have wondered why?  Why was is so fab?  Was it the food?  The wine?  The company?  Well, it was probably a combination of all of the above.  But it certainly didn’t happen by chance.

The food and wine would have been meticulously planned by the chef and the music would most likely have been handpicked as well. Restaurants are now valuing the power of music – for the experience and for the brand. They have been for some time.  Good music sets the tone for diners and staff alike.

FUN FACTS

According to MRC data (formerly Neilson Music) 81% of diners notice the music playing in a restaurant and 55% thinks it’s important the venue plays music they like.  40% stay longer if they like the music.  Music makes business sense.

AUSTRALIAN RESTAURANTS

Aussie restaurants have been doing this for a while – offering playlists and a flavour (pun intended) of what’s in store.

Byron Bay newcomer Daughter in Law (https://orca-chameleon-79zt.squarespace.com/) offers DIL tunes on its website. It’s 80’s, it’s fun and it reflects the restaurant’s ethos.  Vibrant and playful.

The place to see and be seen Rae’s (https://raes.com.au/) in Byron Bay also curates playlists on spotify for its cellar bar, dining room , lunch and dinner. (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46ZrgzHjsAjnoOdigv34Ty?p=466)

And the fabulously loud and brash Chin Chin in Melbourne and Sydney (https://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au/) overloads the senses with a range of curated play lists.( https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2jSDBqWdalCedBktjXrtKV)

So if you’re favourite joint is booked out you can recreated the vibe at home.. and if your food doesn’t quite cut it… turn up the music.