Lost property is no laughing matter. At least, that’s how we view it. While many might not see a misplaced umbrella or discarded wallet as the end of the world, for NotLost, it really is. That’s why we do what we do. Day in, day out, because we know it’s important.
For some, however, ‘lost property’ or ‘lost and found’ is nothing more than a good bit of branding. You might wonder how someone could take our life’s work in vain, but it happens.
It’s also true that in none of these cases were we consulted. However, we’re a gracious company and offer retrospective approval – happy our life’s work has helped other ventures thrive.
Naturally, we were interested in our namesakes, so let’s explore a few.
Brewdog’s Lost Property Office – Waterloo
First on our list is a charmingly named speakeasy within Brewdog’s cavernous Waterloo location. Curated by Rich Woods, who has earned himself the enviable title of the ‘Heston Blumanthal of cocktails’, the Lost Property Office’s main attraction is ‘The Evolution of the Martini’, providing punters with three key iterations of the ever-popular cocktail.
Where did this bar within a pub get it’s name? Well, South Western Railway’s lost property office is just on the other side of the station. Perhaps Brewdog thought the idea of city workers stumbling in and asking for a dry martini, only to be met with a lost property form, was reason enough.
Is there a business opportunity here? Yes. Britain’s largest watering hole, located adjacent to one of the largest commuter stations, is a recipe for misplaced possessions. Throw in the serendipitous name of its speakeasy bar, and a collaboration seems necessary.
Opportunity for lost property management: 10/10
Lost Property, St Paul’s Hotel
Lost Property St Paul’s is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, a range of upmarket hotels within the hospitality giant’s portfolio. Situated a stone’s throw from City Thameslink, the design-led space is a fair chunk of building, with 145 rooms.
It also boasts a—no doubt very swanky—restaurant, bar, and cafe, offering lucky guests the opportunity to lounge in various settings after a hard day of sightseeing.
The usage of ‘lost property’ appears to be in reference to the possibility of losing oneself in the experience. From what we’ve seen so far, this seems a fair assumption. Once again, we feel that if any hotel could do with a ruthlessly efficient lost property process, it’s this one.
Opportunity for lost property management: 9/10
Lost and Found Bar – Balham
Remaining in the capital but heading south, Lost and Found Balham is next on our list. It claims to be Balham’s ‘best cocktail and party venue’, and while we couldn’t verify this, we can’t deny it looks fun. Lost and Found offers a wide range of probably delicious and undoubtedly potent cocktails, all set to the tune of a ‘cheese-laden soundtrack’ (their words, not ours). We take this to mean 90s sing-along anthems rather than fromage homages.
There was nothing about a lost property process on their website, but you’d think any space where crowds congregate to relive the soundtrack of their youth might require a hand with misplaced items.
Opportunity for lost property management: 7/10
Lost & Found – Hollywood
The love for all things lost extends far beyond our shores. Despite the name promising to bring the glitz and glam of misplacing your umbrella to America, the Lost & Found bar sadly has little to do with lost property.
However, it does make up for this with some unusual-sounding cocktails, our personal favourites being the Hedge Fund Highball and the Misunderstood.
Its stripped-back website doesn’t give us much else to comment on. We would go check it out, but we haven’t opened an LA office. Yet.
Opportunity for lost property management: 5/10
Lost and Found: Music studios
Straying into the realm of fiction, the final entry on our list is a TV show called Lost and Found: Music Studios. Broadcast on the Family Channel back in 2015, this kid-friendly sitcom tells the story of young stars trying to break onto the music scene.
Naturally, it handled all the troubles that a fledgling musical talent would go through, with heartwarming coming-of-age themes ever-present throughout. If we’re being honest, we didn’t have time to watch it, but certainly got a Nickelodeon feel from it.
Despite the possibility of characters losing their way and subsequently finding hope during the closing song, we couldn’t see much relevance to actual lost property. Even worse, this presents non-existent business opportunities, as we find ourselves firmly situated in the real world.
Opportunity for lost property management: None
Speak to the lost property experts
If your business finds lost property management a pain, we are genuinely here to help. With a top team of dedicated professionals, market-leading software, and fantastic written content, we’re undoubtedly your best shot.
If you’re interested, get in touch for a demo.