Stonegate trialling new menus as part of Yates makeover

The pub operator has also added a number of pub classics and has introduced sauce stations, which allow customers to choose their condiments.

The new format, previously described by Stonegate as a way of promoting more day-part occasions and communal eating, is currently being trialled in two sites – Brighton and Colchester – following a £600,000 investment.

It expects to roll the format out to two more sites within the 75-strong estate before Christmas.

As well as pub classics such as all-day breakfast (£5.50) and steak and ale pie (£5.50), the main food menu comprises sharing boards, salads, and burgers from the chargrill.

Burgers include the Hot One – a 6oz burger topped with chilli con carne, cheese and Tabasco habanero sauce (£7.50), and Mighty Almighty – two 6oz burgers, chicken breast fillet, bacon, cheese, beer-battered onion rings and barbecue sauce for £9.95.

Barbecue emphasis​

Highlights on the chargrill barbecue menu, which comes with two free side-dishes, are a half-rack of ribs with a quarter chicken or pulled pork (£10.25) and Rooster Booster – half a grilled barbecued chicken, southern-fried style chicken strips, and sticky wings (£9.95).

The chargrill barbecue menu also features the Ultimate BBQ Board – a sharing board option. For £19.95, customers get half a grilled chicken, four southern-fired style chicken strips, 10 barbecue wings, spicy Moroccan-style sausage, barbecue pulled pork and chilli slaw, as well as two sides.

Other sharing boards include the street-food inspired Meat The Street – barbecued chicken skewers, chimichurri flat-iron steak skewers, pork belly crispy bites, spicy Moroccan-style sausages, fried potato with onion and peppers, and chilli slaw (£10.95)

The breakfast menu features a number of classic English breakfast combinations, ranging from £2.50-£5.50. Blueberry pancakes are also available for £3.50.

Kids menu meals include chargrilled barbecue chicken, mac and cheese and hand-battered fish, all priced at £2.50. Ice cream is available for 99p extra.

Sauce station​

The sauce station has eight different condiments available – ranging from the mild French’s Honey Mustard to Yates’s own Extra Hot.

Perry Huntley, head of food at Stonegate Pub Company, said: “We have introduced the chargrill barbecue and burger menu with the new Yates food offer, while incorporating light bites and pub classics.”

Huntley added: “To spice things up, guests can take a trip to the sauce station, which offers an interesting change to the dining experience.

“Eight delicious sauces with varying flavours are designed to complement the entire chargrill menu.”