GK pubs praised for food
Four pubs have been praised for their outstanding food offers at the Greene King Excellence awards 2005. The White Hart in Chalfont St Giles, Buckinghamshire, secured the pub of the year prize after licensee Scott Macrae impressed judges with his "superb culinary skills". The Jolly Waggoner in Ardeley, Hertfordshire, won the specialist food pub award for its "daily changing menu in a distinct yet informal eating environment", according to Greene King. The Mayflower in Rotherhithe, London, was named food pub of the year while the Dog & Duck pub in Linton near Cambridge received the excellence in service award.
Pair set to nurture Bush
A restaurateur and chef duo aim to convert the Bush at St Hilary, South Glamorgan, into one of Wales' top gastro pubs. Hotelier and restaurateur Phil Thomas and chef Cieren McCarthy recently bought the Grade II-listed south Wales-based pub. The duo, who first worked together at Coulsdon Manor Country House Hotel & Restaurant in Surrey, aim to introduce "a high quality evolving menu using local ingredients served in the friendly informal atmosphere of a village pub". The pub's menu will also feature beer, wine and food influenced by customer feedback.
Website plugs local produce
Pub chefs in the east of England are being encouraged to capitalise on the popularity of local produce via a new website. The East of England Tourist Board (EETB) is offering a complete guide to local sourcing at www.foodanddrinktoolkit.co.uk. The on-line information includes tips on reducing food miles and flagging up local produce on menus.
Bacon sales up by 11%
Bacon is an increasingly popular addition to pub menus, finds new research. Sales of bacon have increased by 11% in the foodservice sector since 2002 according to research by the British Pig Executive (BPEX).
