The waiting starts at Chef & Brewer

Spirit Group is to offer table service at all 133 of its Chef & Brewer destination food pubs.

Following a successful trial of waiting at table, Spirit believes the move will boost customer service without affecting the essential eating-at-the-pub feel which has made Chef & Brewer one of the UK's best known pub food brands. Customers who still want to order at the bar will be able to do so.

Marketing director Jeremy Hipkiss said: "We are providing a flexible service at Chef & Brewer, so there is table service for larger parties and others who prefer it. Customers like the relaxed approach of pubs rather than formal restaurants, but they want to be looked after too."

Just over a year on from its acquisition by Punch Taverns, Spirit is also revamping the food offer at Chef & Brewer, using more British produce and continuing its focus on using fresh ingredients. A new menu, launched on April 17, includes British 35-day matured beef for all steaks and burgers, British farm assured chicken and free range Breckland duck.

Jeremy said: "We are committed to quality food and we know our customers are interested in the origin of the food they eat at their local pubs. We are responding to their needs and we are always looking to improve and stay ahead in the market.

There is also a choice of more healthy, lighter, seasonal dishes including Scottish seared salmon and asparagus salad, and ricotta,spinach and sicilian lemon ravioloni.

The wine range has also been extended with higher quality grapes and country of origin specified.