Healthy food choices are child’s play at Orchid

26th May 2009, 3:03pm

Latest research by The Orchid Group reveals that almost nine out of 10 parents (88%) are dissatisfied with pub food choices for children.

So in a bid to offer parents, and children, a real choice when eating out, Orchid has become one of the first pub companies in the UK to join forces with Annabel Karmel.

The pub company has developed a selection of children's favourites that it says will provide parents with a range of tasty, nutritionally balanced meals for their children when eating out.

These creations will be first launched in 34 of Orchid's Contemporary Carveries followed by a further 45 pubs across the country in early June.

Guaranteed to appeal to even the fussiest of eaters, the range will include delicious pasta dishes such as her best-selling spaghetti with hidden vegetable sauce, pasta bolognese and lasagne. For more adventurous taste buds, there's Thai chicken curry.

Annabel Karmel commented: "In childhood, eating habits and tastes (good or bad) are formed for life, so encouraging children from a young age to eat a healthy, balanced diet is vital. Too many pubs offer unhealthy 'kid pleasers' or mini portions of adult meals that are not balanced for children and contain too much salt or saturated fat. All my recipes are tested on children and are sure to satisfy parents as well as keep the kids happy."

The family dining market is one to take seriously, with parents rating the choice and quality of children's food over and above their own. Around 15% of parents say they eat out with the kids 'regularly' and a further 70% 'sometimes'.

Other interesting findings from the research included:

• 68% ranked speedy service as the most important consideration when choosing where to eat out with their family

• 33% parents admit their children eat chips every single time they eat out 

• 57% say they are more likely to return to venues offering children's activities such as colouring or games

Related Articles:

• 17 Jun 2009 - Orchid rescues 10 Bar Room Bars from administration
• 03 Jun 2009 - Favourite pub chains lagging behind in salt reduction

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