University supports local venue's visit from The Restaurant Inspector

Family-run restaurant The Vineyard is bracing itself for its 60 minutes of fame when The Restaurant Inspector is broadcast to the nation next week.

The Northampton town centre restaurant is set to be the focus of the popular Channel 5 series - and even the restaurant's owners won't see any of the programme's footage until it is aired at 9pm on Monday 20 June.

Alongside restaurant owner Amy Walder, Grant Timms, a Senior Lecturer from The University of Northampton's Business School, has been working behind the scenes and helping Amy for the last few months.

I took over the management of the restaurant from my mum Tina at the end of last year, and was determined to put my own stamp on the place and attract new customers.

It was for that reason that I called upon the experts - both the University and the Restaurant Inspector - to ensure I got a truly honest and critical appraisal.

Amy Walder, 25

In these tough economic times it is more important than ever to focus on customers. Amy and I have been thinking creatively about finding new ways to attract customers and most importantly, building strong relationships to encourage them to keep coming back.

I haven't seen the programme yet so, like everyone else involved, I'm waiting with baited breath. Once thing is for certain though - by seeking advice and not being afraid to change and explore new marketing initiatives, The Vineyard is on the way up.

Grant Timms, a Marketing Lecturer in Northampton Business School

Since filming finished, Grant has developed a marketing campaign to bring the University and the Vineyard restaurant closer together - and all parties are excited to see the results over the summer.