Customer creation on new Chef & Brewer menu

Stephanie Silk, from Glasgow, won a Proof is in the Pudding competition with a salted caramel banoffee cheesecake, which is one of 18 new dishes on the menu.

Other new dishes at the group’s 130 sites include: a vegetarian fish and chips with halloumi in a lemon and coriander marinade; Asian-style rare beef salad; rib of beef and pulled pork and chicken makhani tiffin, which has been created with the help of chef Cyrus Todiwala, and a chicken tikka curry dish served in tiffin stacker tins.

The menu also offers a wagyu burger, bubble and squeak starter and triple-cooked chips.

As well as the introduction of new dishes, the brand has also spent time in creating alternative versions of more than 20 of their dishes to offer a separate non-gluten containing menu.

Non-gluten options​

Caroline Gallimore, brand manager for Chef & Brewer, said: “Too often, guests who suffer with allergies or intolerances are left with minimal or uninspiring choices when dining out – with this menu we sought to change this by investing resources to deliver a wide range of dishes that can provide a non-gluten containing option in all menu categories; from starter, main and pudding, through to our evening and lunch deals.

“This is just the starting block for us as we hope to continue to further develop our offering and cater to the varying tastes and requirements of our guests.”

The brand is also running a month-long Seafood Festival until 30 April. A special set menu featuring two starters, six mains and two puddings. Dishes include smoked salmon bubble & squeak; a trio of fish sliders, Mediterranean paella, luxury fish en croute and Asian-style tuna.

As well as the introduction of 18 new dishes, the brand has also spent time in creating alternative versions of more than 20 of their dishes to offer a separate non-gluten containing menu.

Michael Rosen​

The company’s Wacky Warehouse brand has also teamed up with children’s author Michael Rosen to run a competition to find aspiring child authors.

The ‘We’re Going on a ‘Bear Hunt’ author is judging a story competition for children age four to 10, and will be bringing three winners tales to life at a special reading.

Three winning stories will be published in a Wacky Warehouse official storybook, which will be available in the 81 play centres, as well as printed on a wall at the winners’ local Wackys so the stories can be read and enjoyed by other children who visit Wacky every year.

Carol Rhead, senior brand manager for Wacky Warehouse, said: “We know it can be difficult for mums and dads to get out and about with the kids, so we like to make our pubs and soft play centres as engaging as possible. With our short story competition, not only do the children have the chance to express themselves with us physically in our play centres, but they can also get their creative juices flowing too!”

As well as seeing their stories printed the three winners will also get free entry to Wacky Warehouse for a year and £50 worth of Fayre & Square vouchers.