Punch to add new deals to concept

Punch Taverns plans to add three new packages to its Simply Pub Food concept for tenants.

Simply Pub Food is on trial in 50 pubs, with plans to offer it more widely to lessees from January. The concept offers Punch lessees a menu developed in conjunction with suppliers Brakes and 3663 and includes six starters, 15 mains and four desserts. Breakfast, specials and Sunday lunch are planned to be added in the next six months.

Simply Pub Food was introduced in October and follows on from the launch in January of Punch's Table Top concept, which offers set meals for a fixed price and is now offered in 711 Punch pubs.

Simply Pub Food offers lessees three PoS styles, four suggested price points and new dishes including rump steak and an all-day breakfast. The concept can offer up to 65% GP, on prices that are guaranteed by Brakes and 3663 for six months.

Alan Todd, Punch's catering and development manager, said: "The potential for Simply Food is there in terms of the types of pubs the concept would work for. Certainly a contributing factor to bolster a pub's business is food and this offer helps give licensees a better sales story to help get customers in."

Punch licensee Vicky Hushcroft of the Manchester Road Inn, Manchester, said: "We are not achieving the same margins on our own menu as Table Top so have decided to move on to Simply Pub Food as the next step up to help guarantee good margins.

"We'll retain our own menu and put items on the specials board and may substitute certain items, such as the lasagne, for the Simply Pub Food option. It has definitely been a great way to drive our food sales."