Orchid Group reports that its Great British Carvery pubs are showing that the sector is very much alive and well as they continue to build a strong position in the market. Some of the highlights:
- Like-for-like results of +5.8%, with food +6.4%.
- The figures show when you focus on the Best of British produce, leading design and great service, the Carvery segment is still very much alive and kicking.
- Great British Carvery pubs sell more than 52,000 carveries each week. This is alongside a fresh ala carte menu offering classic, fresh dishes including Fish & Chips, Venison Pie and Wexford Farm Assured Steak.
- The Spyglass Inn, Weymouth, is one of the strongest performing pubs, selling more than 3,400 carveries per week.
- New investments the Moby Dick in Romford, Memphis Belle in Warrington and The White Swan in Southampton all sell more than 2,000 carveries per week.
- Over the course of the summer menu, like-for-like covers were up 7.2%, with dry sales up 3.8% and dry margin up 1.1%.
Simon Dodd, Commercial & People Director at Orchid Group says:
“We have worked hard to ensure that each pub is part of the local community and provides an offering that is suited to the pubs location, this is key to creating long term sustainable businesses.
“Great British Carvery pubs are much more than roast dinners every day of the week; they are at the heart of the community and offer a warm, welcoming environment for every single customer.”
Pub atmosphere
The appeal of Orchid’s carvery division is not only in the great quality and value-for-money meals, but also in the atmosphere of the pubs.
Carvery pubs are set up to house multiple groups of customers and occasions. For example, at the Young Pretender in Kings Langley it is not unusual to find a group of friends watching the football in the bar, a business meeting, a private party and families and couples enjoying quality time together over a meal, all under one roof.
Focusing on pub’s individual characteristics and communities ensures the division holds a unique place in the sector, and when updates are required they are planned with a strong emphasis on how to best combine great design with practical areas for all sorts of people.
“Useable, appealing and functional space is an important element at our carvery pubs,” Simon continues. “We ensure that each group of customers is catered for in terms of a warm welcome and a relaxing environment, and the community feel brings everyone together.”
Loyalty scheme
The Diamond Club loyalty scheme is open to all over 50s and gives discounts on food all day Monday to Friday, plus a points scheme for money off future purchases and special offers such as a free birthday drink. There are 700,000 members in total, and in August some 38,238 swipes were recorded.
“Combined with Red Tractor Farm Assured meats, a commitment to sustainability and reducing waste, and dedicated staff who make every visit special, Great British Carvery pubs something we can be very proud of,” Simon adds.
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