The Punch position: Food

Leased estate

We understand that food is an increasingly important part of a pub’s offer and although it is our licensees’ responsibility, we are investing in this area.  With the smoking ban now in England and Wales, coupled with learnings from Scotland, we recognise that our licensees need to have a food offer, however basic, as part of their future strategy.
 
Research has shown there is great potential to develop food sales in our pubs but there are around 2,000 licensees in need of support and guidance.  With this in mind, a new catering development team has been created, comprising of a catering development manager and four catering executives who offer a free service to our licensees.

We already offer our 7,400 plus licensees a comprehensive catering and food directory, which contains preferential deals on pub food essentials including groceries, professional catering equipment, refrigerators, dishwashers, coffee machines, tableware and linen.  However, we will be revisiting this to ensure our licensees are getting the very best deals in the market by building closer relationships with suppliers and using our extensive contacts and buying power through our managed estate, Spirit.  Working with a preferred supplier we will also be offering a full catering solution package, which our licensees can access.
 
In the meantime, there is a basic food hygiene module in our award winning Modern Licensed Retailing (MLR) course, which is compulsory for all new Punch licensees. 

Managed estate

We know that our customers want a broad choice of menus in our pubs and we want to ensure that healthier options are provided where there is demand.  Families are catered for in many of our outlets and we have developed a children’s menu which encourages kids to try a balanced meal.  These menus include vegetables and salads and meals are offered which contain controlled salt, no artificial colouring or flavouring.  In addition, a nutritional table on the menu gives parents greater guidance.