Established 1968
Established 1968
How Chef Patron Daniel Smith and Martin’s Hi-Fi created an unforgettable dining experience — and how the same expertise can transform your business.
In the rolling countryside of Norfolk, where tradition meets innovation, a unique partnership is taking shape. The Wildebeest, guided by Chef Patron Daniel Smith, has long been celebrated as one of the county’s culinary gems. Now, with a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system installed by Norwich’s own Martin’s Hi-Fi, Friday evenings have been transformed into something truly extraordinary.
After honing his craft under Michel Roux Jr. at the two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche and earning his first Michelin Star at just 23 with Galton Blackiston at Morston Hall, Daniel Smith returned home in 2015. His vision was simple yet ambitious: to create dining experiences that celebrate exceptional food and Norfolk culture in equal measure.
“Great food deserves great ambience,” Daniel explains. “When we launched our Friday DJ + Dine evenings, we knew we couldn’t compromise on sound. The music had to match the quality of our cuisine.”
This is where Martin’s Hi-Fi came in. With over four decades of experience designing commercial audio installations, the team understood exactly what The Wildebeest needed — sound that enhances, not overwhelms.
The Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 architectural speakers were the natural choice. Used in acclaimed venues such as the two-Michelin-starred Ynyshir Restaurant, these speakers deliver exceptional clarity and depth while maintaining an elegant aesthetic perfectly suited to The Wildebeest’s interior.
The AM-1’s advanced acoustic engineering ensures every part of the Friday soundtrack — from relaxed dining music to dynamic DJ sets — unfolds with pristine clarity. Their discreet design keeps the focus on food and conversation, not hardware.
“The difference is remarkable,” Daniel notes. “Whether we’re serving dinner or the DJ is building energy later in the evening, every note is crystal clear.”
This collaboration is more than a technical installation; it’s a meeting of minds between two Norfolk institutions. Martin’s Hi-Fi’s passion for acoustic excellence perfectly complements The Wildebeest’s dedication to culinary artistry. Both share a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and creating experiences guests never forget.
“Working with venues like The Wildebeest is exactly what we love,” says Marcus Harbord, General Manager at Martin’s Hi-Fi. “It’s about understanding how great sound enhances every special moment.”
What This Means for Your Business
The Wildebeest’s story isn’t just about great food or beautiful sound — it’s about how the two work together to create a complete experience. When every detail is considered, guests don’t just enjoy a visit; they remember it. That’s what great sound can do for your business too.
Whether you run a restaurant, hotel, bar, event venue, or workspace, the principles are the same. The right sound design sets the tone, enhances comfort, and leaves a lasting impression. It’s the finishing touch that turns an ordinary environment into somewhere people want to be.
Atmosphere drives engagement. The right music and balance of sound help create the mood, keeping guests relaxed, focused, and happy to stay longer.
Quality sound elevates your brand. Clear, consistent audio shows attention to detail — it tells your customers that you care about every part of their experience.
Professional installation brings reliability. Like The Wildebeest’s Friday evenings, your venue needs technology that performs perfectly, night after night.
At Martin’s Hi-Fi, we bring the same craftsmanship and precision that transformed The Wildebeest to every commercial project. From design to installation, we tailor each system to suit your space, ensuring the results look and sound exceptional.
Our Expertise Includes:
Commercial and hospitality audio design
Smart lighting and AV integration
Conference and meeting-room systems
Home cinema and multi-room audio
Custom Bowers & Wilkins installations
The Friday DJ + Dine series at The Wildebeest now runs every Friday (7 pm – 11 pm) and will expand through 2026 — including special DJ events and a New Year’s Eve celebration. It stands as a showcase of what happens when exceptional sound meets exceptional flavour — all made possible by Martin’s Hi-Fi.
Inspired by The Wildebeest’s transformation?
Visit our Norwich showroom or get in touch to see how Martin’s Hi-Fi can help you craft the perfect sound for your restaurant, hotel, or venue.
Visit us on Ber Street Norwich | Call 01603 627 010 | ✉️ info@martinshifi.co.uk