Orchid teams with kids' food expert
Childrens' nutrition expert Annabel Karmel has critisised pub caterers for offering unhealthy kids options or small portions of adult meals.
Karmel said: "In childhood, eating habits and tastes (good or bad) are formed for life, so encouraging children from a young age to eat a healthy, balanced diet is vital. 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."
Orchid Pub Company has teamed up with Karmel to launch a range of kids meals in their pubs. The dishes, which are being launched in 34 of Orchid's contemporary carveries include spaghetti with hidden vegetable sauce; pasta bolognese and Thai chicken curry.
The meals will be rolled out to a further 45 of Orchid's TO ADD pubs in June.
Research by Orchid of 500 parents claims that almost 9 out of 10 parents (88%) are dissatisfied with pub food choices for children. Two thirds of parents (65%) also admit to sneaking in food due to the poor selection of children's food available. The research also showed that whilst 70% of parents would prefer healthy choices for their children, 68% ranked speed of service as the most important consideration when choosing where to eat out with their family. The poll also showed that 33% parents admit their children eat chips every single time they eat out and 57% say they are more likely to return to venues offering children's activities such as colouring or games.
Annabel Karmel said: "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."
