Orchid Group earns Red Tractor status
The Orchid Group has become the first pub company to become a Red Tractor licensee.
The food accreditation will be in place across the managed pub group's revamped carvery estate, which will use Red Tractor chicken, lamb, beef and turkey.
Orchid CEO Rufus Hall said: "We believe Red Tractor has a major role to play in the future of British food and farming - by promoting recognition of professionally-produced assured food, and by boosting the reputation of food production in the UK
"We've worked hard to win this accreditation and are thrilled to have finally done so."
Orchid has worked with Brakes to source fresh British meat from local suppliers for its carveries.
Nick Willis, group account director at Brakes, said: "Orchid's commitment to responsible sourcing of ingredients for their menus is a demonstration how they continue to push the boundaries in the industry, and underlines their decision to choose Brakes as their primary food supplier."
Orchid's recently relaunched carvery sites such as the Olton Tavern in Solihull and the Young Pretender in Kings Langley are performing well, with food sales in strong growth.
Alongside high quality ingredients and freshly cooked food, careful logistics planning keeps queuing to a minimum. Customers receive 100 per cent table service throughout their visit, avoiding unnecessary waiting at the bar.
The wine offer has been developed with wine merchant Bibendum, at prices ranging from £9 to £20 a bottle, with notes on recommended wine and meat matching.
David Clarke, chief executive, Assured Food Standards, added: "Orchid has shown their commitment to buying quality food in the UK. They are leading the way in raising the standard of food served in pubs and we are pleased to be working with them."
