Business boosters
Ideas for driving food sales at your pub
Dinner party menu
Where: the White Bull, Ribchester, Lancashire
www.whitebullrib.co.uk
The idea: When Chris and Kath Bell took on the Enterprise Inns pub in December 2006, they were keen to preserve the White Bull as a village pub serving good, unpretentious food. However, the pub's compact kitchen meant that serving large parties of diners could often be problematic.
Chris came up with the idea of offering a dinner-party service to larger groups of customers.
"It allows us to maintain quality of product as food leaves the kitchen more quickly than with individual orders — and it's a nice way for people to eat in a party," he says.
How it works: Groups are able to enjoy their own dinner party in the pub without the work and hassle involved in holding it at home. Diners can pre-order their meal using Chris's suggestions or by creating a bespoke menu. The pub's website lists suggested dishes, which Chris keeps as traditional as possible.
The range includes rabbit rillettes, game terrine; potted ham; shoulder of lamb, beef Wellington and whole poached turbot; desserts include jam roly-poly and baked Alaska.
He says: "Customers can
pre-order as many courses as they want. As long as we have 48 hours' notice we can order in food and prepare whatever they want."
The food is portioned and placed on the table for customers to help themselves, although table service can be provided if required.
Business benefit: The concept has already attracted several bookings. "Feedback is great; our customers think it's fantastic and really enjoy themselves," says Chris.
"It doesn't really work for couples or smaller groups, but for parties of between six and 20 it's great - and actually works out at a better price per head for the customer."
Top tip on making the idea work: Be flexible and accommodate customers' requests as far as possible.
