About Sam Berry
Sam Berry, owner of Number Ninety-Seven believes in serving his customers at the highest level. In this interview, Sam talks about pursuing his dreams, and at the same time, understanding the needs of his customers. There is a balance between having your own plan, and adapting to the market. As a husband, he runs the restaurant with his wife Alex, and together they work on providing an memorable customer-experience for their customers. 

About Number Ninety-Seven
No 97 is a little neighborhood restaurant located in the heart of leafy Maple Road, Surbiton.

This restaurant is where city meets country; In all the good ways. An easy mix of innovation and international cuisine with the openness and rootsy warmth.

No 97 is built from a husband and wife team, surrounded by a top bunch of people. Our concept is simple – contemporary dining in a relaxed environment. It’s food inspired by fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, paired with an eclectic selection of wines, gin and innovative cocktails.

In This Episode
Success Without the Degree
Sam has a spent a full TWO WEEKS in University before he gave it up. He believes that real-life experience is much more valuable than education. Sam’s recommendation is travel. Travel is where you meet new people and find yourself.  

Balancing Your Dreams with customers’ Expectations
Sam had to make a pivotal decision in the first year of opening up the restaurant. His original menu wasn’t what the community wanted. This is where he learned that his vision also has to meet with the customers’ desires. So, he consulted with his wife and team to make one of the biggest decisions that saved his restaurant.

A Message to online ‘Reviewers’
Things won’t always be perfect in the restaurant industry. Sam recognises that issues do arise and he and his team are committed to solve them. If you are having a negative experience in a restaurant, Sam recommends being verbal and informing the staff. Thus, problems can be resolved throughout your time at the restaurant. He kindly asks to not jump quickly onto online review sites without giving the restaurant the opportunity to rectify the situation. 

Connect With Sam Berry and Number Ninety Seven
WEBSITE: no-97.co.uk/
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/numberninetyseven