The 'Rolls Royce' of ice machines drives cocktail quality at The Prep House

Nestled in Rothwell, just outside Leeds, The Prep House is a small independent cocktail and rum bar prioritising great quality drinks and service.

The fully seated, table-service bar creates an inviting atmosphere which encourages guests to stay and savour their drinks. Since opening three years ago, owner Pete Thornton notes The Prep House has created a loyal customer base, predominantly made up of mature consumers that enjoy taking their time over their drink. With this in mind, Pete was keen to choose a high-quality ice machine that would ensure the ice wouldn’t melt too quickly and spoil the experience. Hoshizaki immediately came to Pete’s mind, thanks to his familiarity with the brand from several years of experience working in hospitality, as he explains:

“My awareness of Hoshizaki and its ice machines goes back a long way. I’ve been in this industry since I was sixteen, and no matter where I’ve worked – whether it’s been premium, high-end venues focused on service and quality, or high-volume turnovers – all operators want a reliable ice machine to ensure you don’t ever run out.

Hoshizaki has always been that. In fact, I can’t remember working anywhere that hasn’t had a Hoshizaki ice machine.”

As an independently run bar, The Prep House initially opened with a lower quality ice machine, but Pete made upgrading this piece of kit a high priority, as he continues:

“We always wanted a Hoshizaki ice machine. At the first opportunity we absolutely switched, 100%, of course we did.

For years and years, I’ve always said that Hoshizaki is the Rolls Royce of ice machines.”

Chris Currie, Account Manager at Hoshizaki UK helped Pete choose the right ice machine for The Prep House, which he describes as a rewarding experience:

“It’s really nice when you meet people like Pete. You can see the passion he has for his business, for the cocktails he makes, and for the ice that he uses as well.

He’s always dreamed of having a Hoshizaki ice machine of his own, so it’s been great to make that dream a reality.”

Together, Pete and Chris agreed that the best unit for The Prep House would be Hoshizaki’s EliteCube. Heralding a new generation of ice makers, Hoshizaki’s IM Cube range is the most advanced series the cold-solution experts have designed, as Chris explains:

“The EliteCube is the ideal choice for The Prep House. Not only does it save space for a small bar, but it also provides the extra security of the UV sanitation, which keeps the ice pure and prevents harmful bacterial build up in the machine between cleans.”

This security is achieved by dual function air and water sanitisation for enhanced hygiene and food safety. The IM Cube range is available in four key models. The entry-level Cube model sets a new standard for ice with perfect taste, shape, and dilution. Meanwhile, the FlexiCube combines this quality with an integrated internal drain pump, providing operators more freedom around appliance placement – with up to 1.5m lift and 10m drain distance supported. For venues prioritising hygiene, Hoshizaki’s UltraCube includes the benefits of the Cube with UV light sanitisation. Finally, the EliteCube combines all of the above for a truly elite ice maker.

In particular, Pete commented on Hoshizaki’s quality as a deciding factor:

“One of the strongest USPs for Hoshizaki is the fact that it doesn’t melt fast. It keeps its shape for a lot longer.”

As an experienced bartender specialising in cocktails and rum, Pete understands the significance of ice when it comes to crafting drinks:

“For us, Hoshizaki ice is a quality ingredient. Ice is an essential ingredient in cocktails. Not just because of the job ice does in terms of keeping the drink cold – but, let’s be honest, we’re in the Instagram generation now. Drinks have to look cool too. So good quality, and great looking ice is really important.”

Hoshizaki IM Cube range achieves this flawless aesthetic with a new variable-speed direct current pump. This innovative feature provides a burst of power at the beginning of the ice-making process to guarantee corners are filled to achieve a sharper edge, then slows as the cube forms to minimise energy and water expenditure for optimal savings.

Pete summarised his experience:

            “I would absolutely recommend Hoshizaki ice machines.

            I finally got my own! I am genuinely made up with it, and it’s a massive tick for me.

            So, would I recommend it. Absolutely. I’d say it absolutely has to be Hoshizaki.”