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Meeting customer demand - making your pub menu healthier

When you think of a traditional pub meal, images of roast dinners with stacks of crispy roast potatoes or comforting savoury pies drenched in lashings of rich gravy probably come to mind.

While there is no harm in including these classic, time-tested staples on your pub menu, customers are no longer content to choose exclusively from these kinds of dishes. As more people prioritise their diet and wellbeing, pubs must adapt by providing a good selection of options that cater to a more health-conscious clientele.

Furthermore, with approximately 4.5% of the UK population eating a vegetarian or vegan diet*, and this figure rising, simply having one vegetarian meal on the menu is no longer sufficient. Pubs must be more creative to attract and retain customers.

How Do I Introduce A Healthier Menu?

Providing healthy meal options doesn't necessarily mean scrapping your old menu and starting from scratch. Begin by reimagining popular classics that your customers enjoy and consider how to make them healthier without losing their appeal. Think about using leaner cuts of meat, using less butter and oil in the preparation and including more wholegrains and vegetables throughout the dish. If you are adding fats when cooking, try swapping these with healthier oils such as olive oil.

Instead of opting for deep fried food or suet pastry for traditional dishes, many chefs are encasing the food in alternative ingredients such as spiralised vegetables and grilling rather than frying to reduce fat content. There is an abundance of healthy substitutes you can incorporate, making it an excellent starting point for a more nutritious menu.

What Can I Offer Vegetarian Or Vegan Guests?

Offering a range of delicious vegetarian and vegan meals in your pub can help attract a wider customer base and demonstrate your commitment to accommodating dietary preferences.

Look at introducing a hearty, plant-based burger that rivals your meaty counterparts. Consider a patty made from black beans, quinoa, mushrooms and spices. Serve this on a wholegrain bun or lettuce wrap with tomato, avocado, and dairy-free aioli or vegan cheese.

There is a plethora of delectable curries and stir-fries that can be crafted to cater for vegetarian or vegan tastes. Consider providing options like a spinach and chickpea curry, a velvety coconut lentil curry, or a vegetable Thai red curry on your menu.

Vegetarians don’t have to forgo Italian cuisine either. There’s an array of mouth-watering pasta, pizza and risotto dishes that can be tailored to suit vegetarian or vegan preferences. Add options such as spinach and ricotta pasta, aubergine parmigiana, courgette and lemon risotto or tasty vegetable topped pizzas to your menu to see how your customers respond.

What About Portion Sizes?

Many people are looking to manage their portion sizes to maintain a healthy diet and reduce their calorie intake, so offering smaller portions of your popular dishes or creating a designated section of the menu for lighter bites is a good idea. This allows customers to enjoy a variety of flavours without overindulging and helps cut down on unnecessary food waste.

Sharing platters are a fun way to offer lighter options to customers while also providing a sociable way to enjoy a meal. Sharing plates of food with friends and family encourages people to try foods they might not have tried otherwise, as well as helping them to manage their portion sizes.

Another firm favourite is to introduce a tapas menu, allowing customers to order a variety of small plates to share among their group.

Should I Get Staff Involved?

Well-informed staff can help your customers navigate the healthier menu options available. Train your team to provide information about the ingredients you are sourcing, the preparation methods being used and any dietary considerations.

Encourage staff to suggest healthier choices to customers who are looking for them.

What About Customer Feedback?

Being receptive to feedback from your customers is crucial. Consider implementing surveys or comment cards to collect input on your healthier menu options. This feedback can be instrumental in refining your offering and making necessary adjustments to ensure your customers keep coming back for more.

Furthermore, staying attuned to new food trends and swiftly adapting to them can set you apart from the competition and create something truly exciting that attracts both new and returning customers.

 

*(National Diet And Nutrition Survey 2018/2019)