Pub introduces mini portions to tackle food waste

The Sun in Ulverston, Cumbria, which is owned by multiple operator Lakeland Inns, has put together a British classics menu for senior citizen diners, some of whom had said the pub’s large portions were too much for them.

Smaller versions will now be cooked by the chef, which will reduce food waste levels and help to make lunchtime more manageable for customers with smaller appetites.

Older clientele

Lakeland Inns, which operators three sites across Cumbria, director Kirsty Mackenzie said: “We take the feedback of our customers very seriously and it has become clear in recent months that many of the Sun’s older clientele find our standard portions too large.

“It never feels good to be throwing perfectly good food away, but that has been a reality, which is why we have launched the new menu to help cater for what our customers want and reduce the level of food waste in the pub.

“As a business, we are passionate about the environment. We make a conscious effort to ensure we do our bit for example, our family-owned brewery."

New additions

She added: “[Our own beer brand] Stringers is 100% renewably powered, while all of our pub stirrers and straws are 100% biodegradable. We are of the view that every little helps.”

The new menu will include dishes such as slow-cooked steak and ale pie; haddock and chips; scampi; and sausage and mash with onion gravy; served from 12noon until 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Mackenzie added: “It is difficult to strike a balance with a single menu when it comes to portion size so the new addition of our lighter bites choices for senior citizens will help to introduce greater choice.”