Orchid’s menu development team has once again triumphed at the MIDAS Awards (Menu Innovation & Development Awards).

Scooping the award for best desserts, the new Contemporary Carvery Menu won the coveted award for the second time.  MIDAS recognises the outstanding creative talents of development managers within food service industry.

Brendan Corder, Orchid’s Senior Development chef was delighted with the win.  “We are constantly moving our carvery menu onwards to offer our customers new dishes, whether it’s traditional individual homemade crumbles or something a little more quirky like our blackberry posset with homemade thyme shortbread. We should never sit back and solely rely on the old favourites to drive our sales”.

First to launch the award winning menu was Orchid’s latest acquisition, the Crown Point at Sevenoaks, Kent. 

Orchid spent £240K refurbishing the pub, taking their Contemporary Carvery evolution to the next level.

The Crown Point has all the features of a Great British Pub, including an inviting fireplace, over bar glass racks, wing back chairs and eclectic furniture.  The new carvery pods have been designed specifically to blend in with the traditional look and feel. Two relaxed 'private dining rooms' have been created, equipped with plasma screens and free wi-fi, making them perfect for informal meetings or small family functions.  The pub also has a stunning new external garden room with feature heat lamps and dining furniture which can be used year round, day or night.

 The Crown Point will continue to showcase some of Orchid’s latest food innovations throughout the year including carve at the table and the old favourite of a sweet trolley.

Sharon Hammond, Orchid’s Carvery Marketing Manager is excited about all the new developments.  “We launched our first Contemporary Carvery just over 3 years ago and since then the industry seems to have woken up to the sales opportunities that Carveries bring.    We have been beavering away looking for ways to improve upon our Carvery offer.  We continue to reinforce the British message through our support of Red Tractor produce.  We also now offer wood pigeon, black pudding and Cornish sardines as starters, serve Yorkshire Tea and have the gorgeous Cornish Callestick Farm lemon curd ice cream on our award winning dessert menu.