Redesigning a Bistro site. Part 1. The Design.

Show Notes

0. The client contacts us

Our checks on Greens Kitchen.

  • A one page site (apart from cookie and privacy pages).
  • Seems to be new to this domain in 2022.
  • WordPress site with the Genesis Theme, WPBakery Page Builder, Smart Slider and Gravity forms.
  • Built by a new branding agency (print, marketing and websites). They repupose the same template.
  • A typical page builder site. Not the best usability, speed, accessibility and SEO. Hard black on white is hard to read.

1. Client aims

Maybe wants a wider reach and so wants to better highlight things mentioned in the website’s text:

  • Show they do group bookings and corporate meetings.
  • Show how their menu is dynamic and changing.
  • Show they are foodies. Chefs in action? There is no sign of the kitchen.
  • Add email or contact form.
  • Show the staff (who reviewers seem to like).
  • Reach more of the (wealthier) parts of North London.

The copy reads like AI. First line "Greens Kitchen offers the perfect blend of casual dining in a relaxed environment." Titles don’t match the text and the "something new" section is odd.

2. Audience and User Journey

  • SEO for a wider London audience? Only the reviews on Google Local Business makes them top there.
  • Foodies? People with time and plenty of disposable income (Bruch is popular).
  • On a high street so most will know the cafe, but not the food so much.
  • Special events.
  • Takeaways (tired London commuters coming home!)

3. Branding

  • Maybe enhance the classy logo branding. More classy menu look.
  • Use the gold and angle brackets more in the design.
  • Logo font: closest match Arimo (Google) and Haggard Nova (paid). Could use DM Serif Display (Google).

4. Structure, nav and key content.

  • Lose the side nav on mobile.
  • About page: "foodies philosophy". Shows staff and skills (images of serving staff and chefs preparing).
  • Contact page: They are expected and come up in search. It is in easy reach being just off the North Circ. Add parking info?
  • Page/s for menus so we can organise the image examples.
  • Maybe a page for events?
  • SEO: maybe some recipe pages (ideally mentioning other part of Nth London). Posts on commuting and takeaways. Cakes: special occasions (forgot the partner or child's birthday?).

5. Hero copy and home sections

  • Presently no H1. Need a stronger value proposition than 'Welcome to Greens Kitchen".
  • Not mentioned is that it's good for watching the world go past (outdoor seating).
  • Google reviews are good so they should link to them.
  • Area for events/specials/discounts.
  • Homepage as a hub to the above pages.