Whitbread menus to feature plant-based 'Garden Gourmet' dishes

22-Nov-2021 - Last updated on 22-Nov-2021 at 11:00 GMT

Sloppy Joe Burger: Garden Gourmet to feature at 1,200 Whitbread sites

In January 2021 45% of meat-eaters aged 25 to 34 had cut down their meat consumption, research by Mintel showed, and the number of Brits adopting a vegan diet in 2020 skyrocketed by 40%, according to Finder, showing the demand for plant-based dishes has grown.

Whitbread has partnered with Nestlé Professional’s Garden Gourmet, which is already supported by Young’s pubs, to feature new plant-based dishes on menus at 800 Premier Inn sites and 400 pub and restaurants including Beefeater, Brewers Fayre, Bar + Block, Table Table, Whitbread Inns and Cookhouse + Pub sites, which serve over 5m customers a month.

Nestlé Professional UK & Ireland managing director Katya Simmons said: “The growth in demand for plant-based products is being driven by two powerful trends: health and concern for the planet.

More sustainable choices

“Our Garden Gourmet range is an excellent source of fibre and protein, contributing to a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, and as part of our commitment to building a sustainable brand, is on track to become carbon neutral in 2022.

“Through our partnership with Whitbread, we can share great-tasting, meat-free options with consumers, encouraging them to make healthy more sustainable choices when eating out of home.”

The Garden Gourmet ‘Sensational burger’, certified vegan by the European Vegetarian Union, as well as the ‘Sloppy Joe burger’, which consists of the vegan patty topped with a ‘cheezy vegan’ slice, burger sauce and a sloppy joe mix of green lentils, mixed peppers, soya, and chipotle, are both expected to be added to the new menus.

Appeal to everyone

Whitbread’s breakfast menus will also feature a new addition, the Garden Gourmet Cumberland Sausage, and a veggie option for Brewer’s Fayre of its ‘Ultimate Filled Yorkie’ dish.

Premier Inn UK & Restaurants managing director Simon Jones said, “We are delighted to offer increased customer choice with our tasty new vegan options.

“Debuting on our new autumn/winter main and breakfast menus, we hope the Garden Gourmet ‘Sensational Burger’ and the Garden Gourmet sausages will appeal to not only our vegan diners, but those looking to reduce their meat intake.”