Beef overtakes chicken on pub menus
Vegetarian dishes have also proved popular with many pub operators.
Comparing figures from spring-summer 2017 to the same period in 2016, Mitchells & Butlers-owned chain Nicholson’s increased the number of vegetarian items by 19, Chef & Brewer by eight, Vintage Inns by six and Hungry Horse by four.
The report revealed that pub operators have also cut the number of items on their menus this year.
Value-led operator, Greene King-owned Hungry Horse, has significantly reduced its product count in spring-summer 2017. It has discontinued 16 mains from its menu including assorted hot dogs, salads, subs and wraps – bringing the total number of mains from 84 to 68. In total, Hungry Horse now offers 104 menu items, down from 120 in the previous year.
It revealed that during the spring-summer 2016, Mitchells & Butlers brand Browns offered 54 items on its menu while there are 51 in the same period in 2017.
The report said that pubs were looking to recoup margins from starter and side dishes.
Managed pubs increased median starter and side dishes by 5.4% and 11.3% on average respectively. Meanwhile the report said that entry starter and side prices rose by 10.6% and 7% respectively.
Spring-summer 2017 statistics show the median prices for a starter and side at a managed pub are £4.99 and £2.62 respectively.
The MCA Menu & Food Trends Report 2017 report looks at a Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Browns, Chef & Brewer, Harvester, Hungry Horse, Nicholson's, Pitcher & Piano, Toby Carvery, Vintage Inns and JD Wetherspoon, as well as a range of other restaurant and food-to-go operators.
For more information and details on the report email fbcuvr.oneore@zpn-vafvtug.pbz
