When it comes to great pub food, Orchid Group is investing in quality where it counts most - on the plate put in front of customers.
The managed pub operator is throwing down the gauntlet to rival operators who have cut back on quality in order to maintain menu prices, by investing in even better quality food across the business, including its value-for-money Free House Dining pubs.
The latest Free House Dining menu includes dishes which would not be out of place in a gastropub, including; Blackened Cajun Swordfish Steak and Slow Cooked Lamb Shank, along with pub favourites such as Award Winning Lincolnshire Sausages and Mash, Hand Battered Fish and Chips, and Farm Assured Top Rump Steak. Most Free House Dining pubs offer two meals for the price of one, all day, every day.
Despite offering excellent value, the food offered across the menu is of a higher quality than ever.
Debee Timbrell, Marketing Manager said: “The pub market has never been more competitive. Consumers look around for two-for-one meals, downloadable discount vouchers and other promotions when deciding where to eat.”
She adds, “Like any business, we look to get the best value we can when we buy, but our pledge to customers is that we won’t cut costs when it comes to the quality of the food on their plate. Some other operators have held their menu prices or funded discount offers by cutting back on the quality of the food they serve. At Orchid, we’ve worked hard in partnership with our suppliers to ensure that we can continue to serve the highest quality food at genuine value-for-money prices.”
The drive for quality extends to the dessert menu, with Orchid’s Free House Dining pubs serving real dairy ice cream rather than non-dairy alternatives.
Senior Development Chef Brendan Corder explains: “We could save around £120,000 a year if we served ice cream made with vegetable or animal fat rather than dairy produce, which is what’s found on many value pub menus – but we believe customers know the difference and we’re not prepared to compromise.”
To offer even better value, Orchid’s Free House Dining pubs offer a Family Reward Scheme. Members gain points every time they enjoy a meal out, qualifying for discounts and exclusive offers.
