MACDONALD CREATES A STIR WITH NEW FOOD DEVELOPMENTS

Macdonald Hotel’s passion for its food has not only secured the Group 35 AA Rosettes, one of the highest ratings for a UK hotel company, but has encouraged it to take a more proactive role in its food sourcing.

The Group recently underwent an extensive supplier review, and as a direct result both the food sourcing and purchasing policies have been overhauled to enhance quality standards, provide increased traceability and improve both the range of ingredients available and cost-effectiveness.

The move has resulted in greater consistency across the Group, as Alan Swinson, director of catering, explained: “We already devoted a lot of effort in both the seasonality and provenance of our food however this review has enabled Macdonald Hotels to focus in much more detail exactly where, when and how we source our food products. We are now in the position that all produce is of the highest quality and is sourced locally where possible. By giving our chefs the finest ingredients to work with they are able to create dishes that are fresh and delicious – and hopefully it will help us to gain even more rosettes within our restaurants.

The process has also resulted in new, more direct links being developed with suppliers and the use of more ethical produce: only organic milk, supplied by Graham’s Dairies, is used in hotels; chicken is corn-fed and free range to ensure maximum taste and flavour; all pork is sourced and produced to the British Quality standard Mark, outdoor reared, freedom food approved from farms around East Anglia; and not only does the Group stock fair-trade wines, all its coffee will be fair-trade too.

And it is not only food that has been revitalized, the Group has also unveiled has unveiled a new banqueting wine selection that will ensure conference menus get their ideal partner.

Instrumental in creating the new wine selection and conference menu offerings were Marc Van de Wynckle, wine manager and Glenn Fitchew, catering development manager. The new collection of wines and champagnes from around the world, include Willowood Chardonnay from California and Châteaux Routas Wild Boar Rose from France, and the list also features vegetarian, fair trade, organic and vegan options.

Glenn said, We’ve already undertaken an extensive staff training programme to support this new offering. Covering the new menu, wine matching and food options, our teams will be able to provide a wealth of advice not only to conference bookers and delegates but customers celebrating special occasions in our hotels across the UK, such as christenings, weddings and anniversaries.