The Surgery - The Benefits for pubs from British Food Fortnight

Dear Surgery: British Food Fortnight takes place soon - 24 September to 9 October - is it worth getting involved?

The Surgery says:

Yes, absolutely. The event offers pubs the opportunity to maximise sales by serving regional food and drink as part of a national promotion when your customers will be particularly receptive to it.

Organiser and founder Alexia Robinson says: "There has never been a better time for pubs to use British food to drive menu sales. The statistics speak for themselves: 70% of British consumers want to buy local and regional food; the regional food and drink market is growing at 5% year on year; 64% of tourists (both domestic and overseas) say food and drink are a key factor in choosing a destination; and within 15 years, over half of all food consumption is predicted to be outside the home.

Pubs are perfectly positioned to capitalise on this. So, for this year's British Food Fortnight, team regional foods and cheeses with beers, ciders and wines for a distinctive offering. Remember, provenance is the new buzz word and really does make menus more interesting and will encourage visitors to eat in your pub."

Alexia and her team have produced guidance to help pub chefs and licensees. Britain's Regional Food & Drink - Advice for Retailers & Caterers contains lots of ideas for making your menu regionally distinct and advice on taking part in the fortnight.

To download a copy of the advice on how pubs can take part, see: www.britishfoodfortnight.co.uk or call 0207 840 9292.