The challenge of feeding customers during big TV sporting events is one many pubs will be familiar with.
The half time whistle blows, and everyone in the pub decides they're hungry - as well as thirsty - putting pressure on staff.
The English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) has devised a way to help. The beef 'half-timer' is a tasty snack, which is simple and easy to prepare and offers great profit margins.
When cooked on a low heat over a long period, the chuck roast joint will produce tender and mouth-watering beef which can be sold in a buttered roll with horseradish or mustard, making the perfect half-time snack.
Foodservice project manager, Hugh Judd, explains: "Pubs want to maximise sales during big matches, but with a packed-out pub and staff under immense pressure to meet the additional demand, it can be difficult to offer anything other than crisps and snacks for people to eat.
"With our half timer hot roast beef rolls, we've come up the perfect solution. The idea is to offer customers a delicious half time snack that requires no special skill, equipment or labour to prepare. In fact, it's as quick to serve as a pint. And by using a cost-effective cut - boneless chuck roast - and cooking it very slowly to reduce shrinkage and maximise tenderness, it will deliver excellent profit margins.
"In fact, after cooking for around six hours, the meat will be extremely tender, succulent and delicious to eat. You can either make the rolls up before the half time whistle for an instant snack, or prepare them in front of customers to generate interest and encourage more people to place an order."
Full specification details for chuck eye roast are available on the Pub Club section of EBLEX's website: www.eblexfoodservice.co.uk. All licensees who are registered members of the EBLEX Quality Standard scheme automatically become members of the EBLEX Pub Club. To find out more call the scheme hotline on 0800 781 4221.