Parents 'unhappy' with pubs' food for kids

Almost nine out of 10 parents, 88 per cent, are dissatisfied with pub food choices for children, according to research for the Orchid Group.

Almost two thirds of parents, 65 per cent, say they have even smuggled food into pubs for their offspring due to the poor selection on pub menus.

In response, Orchid is to feature the children's food rage developed by author and nutritionist Annabel Karmel in its pubs.

Available through Brakes, the range aims to give parents the choice of nutritionally balanced meals that will appeal to their children.

The meals will be launched in 34 of Orchid's carveries, along with 45 other pubs. in early June. The choice will include pasta dishes such as spaghetti with hidden vegetable sauce, pasta bolognese and lasagne, and Thai chicken curry.

Annabel Karmel said: "I applaud the Orchid Group for giving children's meals true consideration and providing parents with a viable alternative.

"Too many pubs offer unhealthy 'kid pleasers' or mini portions of adult meals that are not balanced for children and contain too much salt or saturated fat. All my recipes are tested on children and are sure to satisfy parents as well as keep the kids happy."

Sharon Hammond, Orchid's carveries marketing manager, said: "We take the needs of our younger customers very seriously and believe as much consideration should be put into kids menus as their grown-up counterparts. Our collaboration with Annabel Karmel is a perfect partnership as she is as passionate about ensuring children eat healthily as we are."

Other findings from Orchid's survey include:

• 15 per cent of parents eat out with the kids 'regularly' and a further 70 per cent 'sometimes'
• While 70 per cent of parents would prefer healthy choices for their children, 68 per cent ranked speed of service as the most important consideration when choosing where to eat out
• 33 per cent of parents say their children eat chips every time they eat out
• 57 per cent are more likely to return to venues offering children's activities such as colouring or games.