Orchid invites customers for a little lunch

Orchid Group is helping its customers to make the most of ever-shorter lunch breaks with a combination of great food and high-tech support.

Research carried out for the managed pub group shows that the average worker only escapes the office for 24 minutes a day.

To help customers make the most of this short, but precious, time slot Orchid is rolling out new measures including free wi-fi access and free-to-use laptops, as well as deli counters and takeaway meals.

One example is the George, at Harpenden in Hertfordshire, heralded by Orchid as the most technologically advanced pub in the country. As well as wi-fi and laptops, the pub has secure mobile phone and iPod charging points.

The George has also introduced the UK's first digital games machines, boasting better graphics and a wide choice of games.

At the White Swan in Southampton, one of Orchid's revamped carveries, manager Anthony Tracey has been tempting customers to have a dessert by offering puddings in takeaway boxes. "It's a great idea for those in a hurry, or for others who are full from a hearty carvery lunch but may fancy something sweet a little later," he says.

The Bell in Maidenhead, Berks, has seen a 36 per cent rise in sales since the installation of a new deli unit selling hot paninis and Fairtrade coffee, while at Clothiers in Yeadon, West Yorkshire, a carvery pod is serving up fresh roast meat sandwiches to take away.

Orchid commercial director Simon Dodd says: "Orchid is firmly leading the way in pub evolution. With all the latest mod cons, we're proud to be able to offer customers everything they could possibly want from their local."