Orchid boosted by British Food Fortnight

A 'Best of British' approach helped Orchid Group drive a 4 per cent sales increase during British Food Fortnight.

The managed pub group made the most of the business building opportunity for the pub trade, with promotions in 45 of Orchid's pubs across both its carveries and Modern British pubs.

The focus was British provenance at value prices, with homemade Welsh lamb shepherd's pie proving to be the most popular British Food Fortnight dish overall.

Customers clearly have a sweet tooth as the next favourites were trifle, bakewell sponge and apple pie made with British Farm Assured apples. Other popular dishes were Welsh rarebit and stuffed mushrooms.

The carveries offered two courses from the British Food Fortnight menu along with a glass of wine for £20, while the Modern British pubs promoted specials on a two and three course offer at £9 and £11.

Alexia Robinson, Director of British Food Fortnight, said; "For a Group like Orchid that prides itself on serving quality British food, British Food Fortnight is the perfect time to shout about what they do - the national promotion is a sales tool for pubs and we are delighted that it has helped Orchid increase sales."

Sharon Hammond, Orchid's marketing manager for fresh dining, said: "Yet again British Food Fortnight has proved to be a big winner for us. Not only did we see a boost in sales, but it was the perfect opportunity to show customers that they can enjoy fantastic British produce at reasonable prices in our pubs."