The pie's the limit for chefs
Six chefs were competing in a cook-off final this week at Westminster Catering College in London for the title of National Steak Pie Champion 2005. The competition is organised by the English Beef & Lamb Executive (EBLEX). Six finalists were selected for the final following a paper judging and a visit by a mystery diner to taste the pies in the entrant's pub or restaurant. Finalists include Hanora Kelly, of the White Horse in Reading, Tony Warburton, of the Crown Inn, in Church Enstone, and Amanda Hodge, of the Mill Inn, in Mugrisdale, in Penrith.
From English to Thai cuisine
The Wheatsheaf, in North Shields, a Trust Inns pub, has launched a new menu, which combines traditional English pub food with Thai cuisine. Licensees Peter and Sam McVelia took over the pub in November. Sam, a chef and originally from Thailand, saw the potential for the mixed menu. Dishes feature fresh lobster for £12, and a three-course set Thai meal for two for £19, with dishes including vegetable tempura and king prawns with sweet chilli dip, Thai red chicken curry and Penang Beef.
New pub for Hollingsworth
Chef Jeremy Hollingsworth and brother and sister team, Barnaby and Grace Meredith, owners of the House in Islington, are set to open their next pub and dining room, the Bull in Highgate, London. The pub is undergoing refurbishment and will re-open at the end of this month. The menu will focus on simple European food which is mostly British with strong French influences.
McCain cuts salt for kids
McCain is set to relaunch reduced salt versions of its brands that focus on children. McCain aims to bring its foodservice portfolio in line with the recommendations of the Government's "Choosing Health" White Paper.
