In hospitality, the smallest details can transform an ordinary dining experience into a memorable one. One of those details? The menu folder. While guests interact with it for only a moment, the craftsmanship behind a premium menu cover shapes their first impression - its weight, its texture, its finish, its quality.
But what goes into making a high-quality menu folder?
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that takes place in our local Newcastle Studio, the materials, and meticulous process that bring premium menu covers to life.
1. It Starts With Material Selection
The foundation of every premium menu folder is the material it’s made from.
Quality materials don’t just look better, we know they feel better, last longer, and hold their shape through daily service.
The materials most commonly used in premium covers include:
• Full-grain or top-grain leather
Ages beautifully, offers natural durability, and gives a refined, timeless feel.
• Hardwood timbers
Each board has its own grain pattern, making every piece unique. Ideal for modern, tactile venues.
• Hospitality-grade coated fabrics
Durable, wipeable, and built for high-turnover venues.
Premium craftsmanship begins before any cutting or binding, it begins with choosing materials that look elevated, feel great in the hand, and perform under pressure.
2. Once the material is selected, each component of the menu cover is cut with precision.
For timber, this involves:
- Sanding
- Sizing
- Sealing
- Smoothing edges
For leather or fabric, it includes:
- Pattern cutting
- Backing
- Edge folding
- Preparing for stitching or adhesive work
This stage ensures every menu matches perfectly - no uneven edges, no warped boards, no inconsistent sizing.
3. Structural Reinforcement for Longevity
A premium menu folder isn’t just beautiful - it needs to survive daily service.
Craftspeople reinforce the structure with elements like:
- Cardboard or polymer cores
- Hidden stabilisers
-Stitching reinforcements
- Pressed edges
- Metal or elastic internal inserts
This internal engineering is what keeps the cover feeling sturdy and prevents sagging, bending, or tearing over time.
4. Branding, Embossing, Foil Stamping & Custom Detail
A beautifully crafted menu isn’t complete without the venue’s identity.
High-quality branding techniques include:
- Blind debossing: A subtle, pressed logo, timeless, minimal, premium
- Foil Stamping: Metallic detailing for a more expressive look.
6. Finishing Touches that Make All the Difference
Premium menu folders undergo multiple quality checks to ensure consistency and longevity.
Finishing touches often include:
- Surface protective coating
- Polishing timber
- Cleaning, dusting and final inspection
This final stage ensures every menu cover arrives flawless, ready to elevate your guests first interaction with your brand.
7. Sustainable Craftsmanship & Long Term Durability
Premium presentation products are not only more beautiful, they last significantly longer.
High quality menus are: handcrafted, expertly constructed, and built to endure years of service.
Choosing well-made materials is a sustainable choice, reducing waste and long-term costs for the venue.
A premium menu folder isn’t just an accessory - it’s a crafted object built with intention, skill, and attention to detail. From material selection to hand-finishing, every step is designed to elevate the guest experience and support the fast pace of hospitality service.
Promotion Studio’s handcrafted timber, leather and custom menu covers follow the exact philosophy: design-led, durable and made for modern hospitality.
