Catering@Booker Issue 13 - December 2023

CATERING @ BOOKER

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HIGHLIGHTS l CONTENTS

16

Will Bradley, The Alma Tavern, Worcester

“Booker offers a fantastic range of products perfect for sharing. Our snacks menu includes tasty treats such as garlic prawns, macaroni cheese bites, chicken wings and tiger fries. We offer them all on a ‘Any 3 for £11’ deal.”

20

Steve Leighfield, The Bell, Eckington

“We always try to add little twists to our dishes, to make them stand out. If we do a slow-cooked beef brisket, we’ll serve it on celeriac mash, rather than potato mash and pair it with a smoked bacon sauce, instead of an onion gravy."

COVER SHOT

46

25

Jess Horton, PR & Press Manager, Booker

“There are so many opportunities out there for both Booker and their customers and I get a real sense of satisfaction out of helping unlock some of those opportunities, particularly so early in my career at Booker.”

Antonio’s in Liverpool keeps its customers enthralled with stories about the past, its fantastic produce and its admirable sustainability goals.

CATERING@BOOKER SHARE YOUR NEWS If you've got news, tips or feature ideas, get in touch with Catering@Booker Email:Catering@booker.co.uk DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. Prices and information are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.

4

DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS

53

50 BLACKGATE BONE-IN RANGE

NEWS 7

54

34

Quality Food Awards Booker’s

Maximise profits with some standout

own-brand products win big once more at the Quality Food Awards.

9

Blackgate Bone In specials bone-in beef lines.

39

Hospitality growing Card sales in

Fresh Five Special festive Fresh Five cuts cost on key fresh products.

hospitality grew faster than inflation in November.

PRICE 42

Biggest-ever Price Lockdown

PROF I LES

Pricing on over 700 products still

16

locked down until January.

Alma Tavern Worcester pub becomes a hub for local families,

20

Nothing says Christmas quite like a

with kid-friendly food, pricing and

S ERV IC E

entertainment.

50

The Bell Unique twists on classic

fantastic quality ‘bone in’ beef dish and

dishes are helping Eckington pub

Booker is offering three outstanding

ring up a thriving trade.

25

Simple cocktails Drive footfall, sales and profits with no-fuss quick and easy cocktails.

53

Upgrade your cheeseboard Award-

Antonio’s Liverpool bar and grill

winning cheeses helps add profit at

Christmas, all three covered by the price

turns storytelling into a profitable art

the end of every meal.

lockdown all the way through to the new

form.

products from its Blackgate range this

year. With the choice of an attentiongrabbing Côte de Bouef, a Tomahawk

F EATURES

Steak or a classic T-Bone Steak, there’s

31

something for every taste and every budget – with profits locked in until 2 January.

34

REGULAR 46

Meet The Team New Press & PR

Last-minute Christmas drinks

Manager Jess Horton reflects on her

A host of locked down pricing

first few months in the role.

products and some fantastic fizz can help boost profits.

54

Range review Options abound with Booker’s new Gammon Joint and Bacon Chops products.

DECEMBER 2023

5

BOOKER NEWS

BOOKERNEWS NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS BOOKER

BOOKER NAMED FOODSERVICE INBRIEF ALL THE PRODUCT WINNERS OPERATOR OF THE YEAR Booker has been named Foodservice Operator of the Year at the Quality Food Awards, as well as picking up six awards for its own brand products.

The outstanding quality of Booker’s foodservice offer and its range of exceptional own brand

SILVER AWARDS MEAT l

®

SILVER 2023

Blackgate Signature French Trimmed Pork Rack

l

QUALITY FOOD AWARDS

QUALITY FOOD AWARDS

QUALITY FOOD AWARDS

Blackgate Signature Cumberland Pork Whirls

products has long been recognised by Booker customers – and it has also been recognised

BRONZE AWARDS

in spectacular fashion at this year’s prestigious

DESSERTS

Quality Food Awards.

® Booker was named overall Foodservice Operator of the Year by the expert, independent judging panel while no fewer than six Booker own brand

SI LV ER 20 23

®

l

®

BRONZE 2023

Chef’s Larder Premium Luxury Salted Caramel

BR ON ZE

& Honeycomb Ice

20 23

Cream FISH

products claimed coveted awards at the event. extremely high this year and the judging process The exceptional Blackgate range of exclu-

QUALITY FOOD AWARDS

very rigorous.

sive butchery products enjoyed a phenomenal

l

Chef’s Larder Premium Scottish Salmon Fillets

HOT BEVERAGES l

Lichfields Italian Style

evening with both the Blackgate Signature

Naomi Davies, Own Brand Manager, told

French Trimmed Pork Rack and Blackgate Signa-

Catering@Booker: “We know that the Booker

ture Cumberland Pork Whirls claiming coveted

range of own-brand products delivers fantastic

MEAT

Silver Awards while the Blackgate Signature

quality and value but it is always a pleasure to

l

French Trimmed Lamb Rack secured a Bronze

have that fact confirmed by expert independent

French Trimmed Lamb

Award.

judging panels. The Quality Food Awards are

Rack

Espresso Beans

Blackgate Signature

rightly acknowledged as among the finest in In addition, Bronze Awards were made to the

the industry and we know the judging panel is

Chef’s Larder Premium Luxury Salted Caramel

as expert as it is experienced – so it’s hugely

& Honeycomb Ice Cream, the Chef’s Larder

encouraging to have so many of our products

Premium Scottish Salmon Fillets and the

receive Awards, as well as being named Foodser-

Lichfields Italian Style Espresso Beans.

vice Operator of the Year. It’s great news for the hard-working team at Booker and it’s great news

The judges said that the standards were

DECEMBER 2023

for our catering customers.”

7

BOOKER NEWS

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for recipe inspiration

DECEMBER 2023

BOOKER NEWS

INDUSTRYNEWS NEWS, ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPINIONS FROM ACROSS THE INDUSTRY

TOURISM ‘UP’, BUT VAT CUT INBRIEF ‘NEEDED’ TO BOOST TRADE UK tourism grew 112% over the last year but a VAT cut is needed to help hospitality reach pre-pandemic levels, says trade body.

CHANCELLOR TO RECONSIDER ‘TOURIST TAX’

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is to take another look at the available data around the Government’s much

New ONS figures show that visits

pre-pandemic levels. Chief Execu-

to the UK have increased 112%

tive Kate Nicholls said: “These

year-on-year, generating £30bn

figures are really encouraging

in revenue – but still remain 9%

and show that tourism is making

down on 2019 levels. Trade body

a strong, albeit delayed, recovery

a reason for people to

UKHospitality is calling for the

from the pandemic. The UK is a

visit the country”.

Government to address the UK’s

top destination for foreign visitors.

lack of competitiveness on the

However, it is worrying that we

global tourism market, starting

still remain almost 10% behind

with a cut to VAT for hospitality, tourism and

pre-pandemic levels. Our 20% rate of VAT ranks

leisure.

among the highest in Europe and the introduction of tourist taxes in Scotland and Wales will further

UKHospitality believes measures to make the UK

add to the cost of visiting. “A reduced rate of

more competitive and attractive for foreign visitors

VAT for hospitality, leisure and tourism is proven

can help visitor numbers return to, and exceed,

to stimulate demand."

maligned ‘Tourist Tax’ in the wake of criticism of the official position that tax-free shopping is “not

Scrapping VAT refunds for tourists in 2021 has negatively affected numbers, says industry leaders.

MP Sir Geoffrey CliftonBrown said: “The Treasury constantly repeats the claim that evidence shows that tax-free shopping is

UK COURT: DELIVEROO RIDERS ‘NOT EMPLOYEES’

not a significant reason for people to come to this country, but the actual figures show that that is

In a landmark decision, UK

seven-year legal battle by the

should be classed as employees,

complete nonsense.”

Supreme Court judges have

Independent Workers’ Union of

rather than self-employed.

ruled that Deliveroo riders

Great Britain (IWGB), the trade

He cited data that UK

cannot legally be classified as

union with the most app-based

The ruling, however, found that

£500m on tax-free

“workers” which means that,

couriers in the UK.

the contracts Deliveroo has with

shopping in the EU in

its riders mean that it is not an

2022, highlighting the

There are tens of thousands of

“employment relationship” that

opportunity to grow

such drivers in the UK and the

would permit them to enjoy

tourist visits and spend.

union had argued that riders

union rights.

among other things, they cannot form trade unions.

The ruling draws to an end a

DECEMBER 2023

shoppers spent around

9

BOOKER NEWS

FURTHER CONSULTATION ON ALCOHOL MARKETING WELCOMED

BUSINESS RATE RELIEF TO HOSPITALITY SECTOR EXTENDED FOR 12 MONTHS

The Autumn Statement revealed that business rates relief for hospitality will be extended for a further year.

The Scottish Government has committed to bringing forward ‘narrower’ proposals for its proposed ban on various aspects of alcohol marketing, following an analysis of consultation responses.

UKHospitality Scotland had previously warned that going ahead with the proposals would inflict significant financial pain on Scotland’s iconic hospitality sector.

Scotland Executive Director Leon Thompson said: “It’s clear from this analysis that organisations across hospitality, leisure and tourism are united xxx in their view that the proposed measures would not achieve its stated aims and, at the same time, would significantly damage the sector.

“The recognition from the Scottish Government that they need to take this feedback into account and bring forward narrower, more considered,

10

The news that business rates relief for hospi-

into

tality is to be extended for a further 12 months

from 6 January

has been welcomed by the catering and hospi-

2024.

effect

tality industry. The extension was announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his Autumn State-

Hunt said the

ment and means that the 75% discount avail-

£4.3bn tax cut

able for hospitality and leisure businesses, first

was in recog-

introduced in the wake of the pandemic, will be

nition of "the

extended for another year. It means businesses

role of pubs in

can claim relief of up to £110,000, saving the

our communi-

average venue £12,800 a year.

ties".

The small business multiplier was also frozen

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality,

for a further 12 months, although the business

said: "The Chancellor has brought forward a

multiplier is set to increase by 6.4%. A freeze on

significant package of business rates measures

alcohol duty was also announced as was a 2% cut

that will help hospitality businesses across the

in National Insurance to 10%, a cut that will come

country.”

FOODSERVICE PRICE INFLATION ‘DROPS 20%’ Price inflation in the foodservice sector dropped by 20% in October, the fifth consecutive monthly fall, according to the CGA Prestige Foodservice Price Index. In October, foodservice inflation fell to 16.7%, its lowest level since August 2022 – although still significantly ahead of retail price inflation which sat at almost half that level (8.5%) in the same month. Overall, foodservice price inflation has fallen 6.2% year-on-year since its peak of 22.9% in December 2022, sparking hopes that pressures will ease further in 2024 for both businesses and consumers. .

DECEMBER 2023

BOOKER NEWS

BARCLAYCARD REPORT: HOSPITALITY SPEND ‘UP 5.8%’ IN NOVEMBER 2023

Card spend in hospitality and leisure venues grew 5.8% in November, according to the latest Barclaycard data.

concerned about inflation and food prices remain high (each at 86%), both fell to their lowest levels since December 2021.

Similar improvements were also recorded on attitudes towards fuel prices, household bills and interest rates.

Consumers were clearly begin-

of customer transactions

ning to gear up for Christmas

with consumer research to

Despite all of this positive

and the festive period in

provide an in-depth view of UK

news, restaurants fell further

November as card spend in

spending.

into decline in November

hospitality and leisure venues

(-11.9% compared to -10.3% in

climbed by a significant 5.8%

The growth in hospitality

October), as over a third (36%)

year-on-year in the month,

outpaced the total consumer

reported that the cold weather

ahead of the inflation rate of

card spend increase of 2.9%

and dark evenings have had

4.7%.

year-on-year in November,

an impact on their spending

which itself was ahead of

patterns. This may help to

October’s 2.6% increase.

explain the major growth of

T h a t ’s

one

of

the

key

findings of the latest Barclay-

6.1% witnessed in takeaways

card monthly report which

Encouragingly, while the

combines hundreds of millions

proportion of UK consumers

and fast food spend.

CONSULTATION ON EXTENDED EUROS HOURS The Government has launched a public consul-

Licensing hours can be extended by the Home

tation that could see pubs able to open until

Secretary for occasions of "exceptional inter-

1am for the semi-finals and final of the men's

national, national or local significance," as has

European Football Championships next year,

happened during the King’s Coronation weekend

should England, Scotland or Wales reach those

earlier this year and the final of the men’s Euro

stages of the tournament in Germany.

2020 final.

The consultation proposes that pub licensing be

Home Secretary James Cleverly said the plans

extended from 11pm to 1am if any of the home

“would provide a welcome boost for the hospi-

nations make it to the latter stages of the compe-

tality industry and clarity for pubs and bars”

INBRIEF NATIONAL LIVING WAGE TO RISE IN APRIL BY ALMOST 10% - CHANCELLOR The National Living Wage is set to rise by almost 10% in April 2024 from £10.41 to £11.44.

In addition, the minimum hourly rate will be extended to full-time workers aged 21 and 22 for the first time, as well as those aged 23 and over who already benefit.

This represents the largest single increase since the National Living wage was introduced in 2016 and is the first time it has risen by more than £1.

The increase, said Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, would give full-time workers aged 23 or over a pay rise of "over £1,800 a year".

The National Minimum Wage for younger workers will also increase, with 18 to 20-year-olds due to receive a rise to £8.60 an hour – a £1.11 rise in hourly pay.

tition.

DECEMBER 2023

11

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BOOKER NEWS

TRAIN STRIKES TO DISRUPT INBRIEF CHRISTMAS ONCE MORE

Train strikes will once again upset the trade throughout December and possibly for as long as six

confirmed plans to deliver course of this parliament,

Christmas trading once

which will require UK

again this year as members

venues to prepare anti-

of train drivers’ union

terror plans.

ASLEF voted to continue

The proposed bill, named

industrial action for another

after 29-year-old Martyn

six months.

Hett who was one of 22 people killed in the 2017

The vote took place just

Manchester Arena attack,

a day after the other railway

The government has ‘Martyn's Law’ during the

Strikes are set to disrupt

major

‘MARTYN’S LAW’ SET FOR IMPLEMENTATION

would require venues with

union,

a capacity of more than

RMT, called off its strikes

100 people to work with

after accepting a 5% pay

local authorities to draw

increase backdated for

up plans to prevent and

2022-23. Train drivers began walking out at

had “not had a pay rise in nearly five years”.

the beginning of December with more strikes planned from then on.

Drivers from across the country and from many

respond to terrorist acts.

The draft bill sets out two tiers: one for premises

of the major rail companies took part in the vote.

with a capacity of 100-799

ASLEF General Secretary Mick Whelan said his

The one-day strikes are being accompanied by

and another for those

members were “in this for the long haul” as they

overtime bans.

with a capacity of 800 and over, which would fall into

HOSPITALITY VENUE NUMBERS FALL BELOW 100,000 FOR FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS The number of licensed hospi-

2003, equivalent to just over six

tality venues in the UK has fallen

closures every day for the last

below the 100,000 mark for

two decades, meaning the total

In a bid to reverse the trend,

the first time in two decades,

number of outlets has fallen by

UKHospitality called for urgent

according to new figures from

nearly a third (31%) in 20 years.

Government support in the

hospitality trade body UKHos-

decline of 43.6% over the period.

Autumn Statement, in the form

pitality in partnership with CGA

The largest losses have been

of extending business rates

by NIQ. More than 44,000 net

drink-led pubs, bars and night-

relief and freezing the current

outlets have been lost since

clubs, which have seen a net

multiplier.

DECEMBER 2023

the enhanced duty tier.

13

UK’S NUMBER 1 CRAFT BEER BRAND ALSO AVAILABLE IN ALCOHOL FREE AND GLUTEN FREE

£115M

NO & LOW BEER CATEGORY WORTH £115M, +14.2% VS YA

STOCK UP

ON THE FULL PUNK RANGE

BASED ON NIELSEN VALUE SALES 52 WKS - W/E 28/10/23

PROFILE l THE ALMA TAVERN, WORESTER

WARM WELCOME Crowned Worcester’s Best Pub in 2022, The Alma Tavern continues to delight local customers with its winning community offer.

Push through the door to The Alma Tavern in Worcester and your senses will instantly be rewarded; the cheery sound of children’s laughter and the chatter of happy parents rings around the bar, while the mouthwatering fragrance of sizzling seafood drifts on the air, mingling with the scent of the roaring log fire that’s burning brightly in the grate.

It’s a far cry from the cold and musty interior that met Will Bradley and Jon Dean when they first viewed The Alma back in January 2019. Back then, the building had been vacant for 17 months. However, despite its sorry state, Will and Jon could immediately see the pub’s potential.

THE LOWDOWN

THE ALMA TAVERN

“The Alma’s new landlord, Star Pubs and Bars, introduced us to the site,” Will explains. “It needed a full refurbishment, but despite the dust and dirt, we got a warm feeling about it. Star spent a lot of money refur-

Venue The Alma Tavern Location Droitwich Road, Worcester Format Pub Caterers Will Bradley and Jon Dean Covers 60 Kitchen staff 7 Social media 6,000 Facebook followers

bishing the kitchens, the main pub and the exterior and we also invested more than £60,000 of our own money refurbishing the function room, the garden and the toilets, before opening in September 2019.”

The intervening years have seen Will and Jon turn The Alma into a true community pub; a hub where local people of all walks of life and ages are always assured of a warm welcome, engaging entertainment and fabulous

16

DECEMBER 2023

PROFILE l THE ALMA TAVERN, WORESTER

TRENDWATCH THE ALMA TAVERN, WORCESTER

Flovours of the Deep South "Louisiana-style cookery is on the up. It’s all about big sharing platters packed with lots of colour and flavour.

We’ve just added a ‘Louisiana Boil’ to our Fish and Fizz Friday menu.

Our Louisiana Boil features a tasty blend of herbs and spices plus giant prawns, crab legs, mussels, new potatoes and corn cobs – which we buy part cooked from Booker. The aroma and theatre that it creates at the table is fantastic."

food. Turning the Alma into a truly family-friendly pub has

its second-biggest trading day after Sunday. “Monday at

been one of the major keys to its success. “When I was

The Alma is known as ‘Manic Monday’ and we offer 25%

growing up in the 90s, pubs were very adult-driven,” Will

off all food, all day. The offer brings a lot of golden oldies

explains. “We wanted The Alma to be totally different, to

in at lunchtime, but it also appeals strongly to families

make it a pub that was truly welcoming to all, especially

who love to come in for a great-value early dinner.”

families with young children.”

On Tuesdays, customers can choose either a freshly To that end, the Alma’s Kids Menu features a two-course

cooked lamb or pork chop as part of The Alma’s ‘Chop

meal deal which allows customers to pick any main, a

Tuesday’ initiative – which also includes a choice of

carb side, a vegetable side, and a dessert for just £5.49.

potato, one of its delicious homemade sauces and a

“There’s a nursery just a few yards down the road next

selected drink all for just for £11.50. Wednesdays are

door so we are now very busy after school pick up,”

home to The Alma’s ‘Curry Club’ while Thursdays are all

Will explains.

about the ‘Pie Club’. “We make all our pies on site, using pastry and meats that we buy from Booker which we slow

The Alma’s cosy interior includes a 40-cover restaurant,

cook to perfection. All pies are also served with a potato

with a further 20 covers also available in the bar where

choice, a sauce and a drink for £11.50.”

customers can enjoy an array of home-cooked bar snacks. “Homemade bar snacks offer us a better gross

‘Fish and Fizz’ Friday sees customers offered two small

profit and fortunately Booker offers a fantastic range

beer-battered fish fillets and chips for just £14. And as

of products perfect for sharing. Our bar snacks menu

Will explains, he’s just taken the concept to new heights,

includes tasty treats such as garlic prawns, macaroni

with a new ‘Louisiana Boil’ option, perfect for sharing.

cheese bites, chicken wings and tiger fries,” Will adds.

The Deep South-inspired cookery technique involves The Alma’s second key to success is a packed

boiling a seasoned mixture of seafood and vegetables

programme of themed nights and events which have

in a heat resistant bag, to create a dish that packs a

helped it secure a thriving mid-week trade.

major flavour and succulence punch. “Our Louisiana Boil features a tasty blend of herbs and spices, plus giant

This approach has seen Will and Jon turn Monday into

DECEMBER 2023

prawns, crab legs, mussels, new potatoes and corn cobs

17

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PROFILE l THE ALMA TAVERN, WORESTER

WILL'S SPECIAL BOARD FAMILY HUB We have turned our pub into

a hub for local families, with kid-friendly food, pricing and entertainment.

THEMED NIGHTS Every day of the week at

The Alma has a theme and

a special deal of the day to keep our offer interesting

and drive mid-week trade.

which meats are on promotion that day, which helps me to plan our ‘Chef’s Specials’.”

The Alma also boasts a very well-used function room which hosts hundreds of private functions a year, as well as The Alma’s own well-attended in-house events, including family pantos, puppet shows, family discos, tribute bands and much more.

The pub’s stellar standing within the local community can be clearly seen on its engaging social media pages which are brimming with positive comments and in 2022 it was also crowned ‘Worcester’s Best Pub’ by the Worcester News. Bookings for Christmas Day 2023 sold out within two hours of The Alma launching the offer online – a further testament to its success. “We set out to create a proper community pub and we’ve certainly

SHARING SAVIOURS Sharing continues to be

a key trend. We offer a

done that at The Alma,” Will says. “The support from the local community since day one has been incredible.

It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s definitely worth it.”

variety of mix-and-match bar snacks for sharing,

and a number of sharing

platters for large groups.

– which we buy part cooked from Booker,” says Will. “We open the bag at the table and pour the contents onto a sharing platter, which never fails to turn heads. Each portion costs £25 and feeds two people. The aroma and theatre that it creates is fantastic. As a sharing platter, it’s also perfect for Friday nights, which also double up as Karaoke nights at The Alma.”

Desserts are another of the pub’s key draws, with The Alma offering a range of indulgent waffles. “One of our most popular is our ‘Billionaire’s Waffle’ which features Booker’s Chef’s Larder Belgian Style Waffles topped with ice cream, caramel pieces, and chocolate sauce,” says Will.

“We buy 80% of our products from Booker and we can’t fault the range or service. We’re less than 15 minutes away from Booker’s Worcester branch so I visit first thing every day. I love visiting the branch and seeing all the new products first hand. It also allows me to see

DECEMBER 2023

19

PROFILE l THE BELL, ECKINGTON

RINGING THE

CHANGES Unique twists on classic dishes are helping The Bell in Eckington to ring up a thriving trade.

Never underestimate the power of little twists. Just ask Steve Leighfield, owner of The Bell in Eckington – the Worcestershire country pub where lots of little twists are adding up to a head-turning offer.

Bought by Steve and his wife Kerry in 2006, the pub now enjoys a resounding reputation for classic country cooking “with lots of little twists”. “I’ve worked in the catering industry for more than 30 years and prior to us buying the Bell, Kerry and I had been managing another local pub for around 10 years,” Steve explains.

“I was also working as the head chef in that pub and Kerry was front of house. “When The Bell came up for sale, we knew it was the perfect opportunity for us to open our own place that we could inject with our style.”

THE LOWDOWN

THE COTTAGE INN

The pub was very much a ‘fixer-upper’ when the couple bought it, as Steve explains. “We basically ripped everything out and started again. We wanted to create a cozy yet contemporary interior that would appeal to the pub’s strong local trade as well as bringing

Venue The Bell, Eckington Format Pub Caterers Steve and Kerry Leighfield Covers 130 Staff Three chefs including one head chef Opening hours Tues-Sun 11.30am-11pm Social media 1.3k Facebook followers

customers in from further afield. Since then, we’ve been on a continuous journey of evolution.”

The pub’s food and drink offer has been on a similar journey, with Steve, Kerry and their team of chefs constantly updating menus.

“Our main menu changes seasonally to take advantage of local and British produce but we have also become

20

DECEMBER 2023

PROFILE l THE BELL, ECKINGTON

well known for our specials, which change every day,” Steve adds.

“Our style is fairly traditional but whatever the dish, whether it’s a special or something off the main menu, we always try to add one or two little twists.

"For example, if we do a slow-cooked beef brisket, we’ll serve it on celeriac mash, rather than a potato mash and we’ll pair it with a smoked bacon sauce, instead of an onion gravy. They aren’t massive differences, but all these little twists help to keep customers pleasantly surprised and engaged by our offer.”

The Bell’s Main Menu features a mouthwatering array of classic dishes with unique little twists – such as its homemade pie filled with braised lamb and root vegetables with minted gravy. Customers can also opt for a juicy rump or fillet steak, which they can cook to their liking on a sizzling stone brought to their table. “Stone cooking has proved tremendously popular for us,” Steve says.

“It creates real theatre and offers customers a really unique and memorable dining experience.”

For customers after a lighter bite, The Bell also offers a Flatbread Sandwich Menu, which includes a bestselling rump steak, red onion and stilton option for £10.95. “The flatbreads have been a really popular addition to our menu,” Steve explains. “Paninis and baguettes are a bit carb heavy for a lot of customers these days, so the flatbreads are a really popular alternative and they look and taste fabulous too.”

Customers who visit The Bell for its “famous Sunday roasts” are also treated to giant-sized Yorkshire puddings, a choice of roasted meats, local vegetables and lashings of homemade gravy.

TRENDWATCH THE BELL, ECKINGTON

The Magic of Stone Cooking Stone cooking has proved to be a big success for The Bell – offering customers a unique and memorable dining experience to enjoy with loved ones, family and friends.

Diners can cook a range of Booker-sourced steaks and other meats on the sizzling stones which are specially heated to 440ºC before being brought to the table.

DECEMBER 2023

21

PROFILE l THE BELL, ECKINGTON

Meals can be enjoyed in The Bell’s dedicated 85-seater restaurant which features an atmospheric open fire.

There’s also space for 30 covers in the main bar, while in the summer months, the pub’s attractive enclosed garden can also accommodate a further 80 covers.

The pub also offers an array of spaces to drink including a cosy snug with comfortable sofa seating and The Farmer’s Bar – popular with locals. “The Farmer’s Bar can fit around 40 people in for drinks,” Steve says.

“Eckington is a small village, and we are fortunate to have built up a strong local trade. We have a darts board in the bar and hold regular competitions.

We also run a very well-attended pub quiz once a month.” The pub also caters for an array of private functions, with at least two events taking place each month.

Helping The Bell to achieve these positive changes is Booker, one of the pub’s key suppliers and principal source of nearly all of its dry goods as well as a “large proportion” of its spirits and wines.

“We also buy quite a lot of our meat, including our chicken and our steaks, through Booker. The Black-

STEVE'S SPECIAL BOARD

gate steaks are excellent quality, and our customers love them, especially when cooked on the stone,”

HOT STUFF

Steve says. “We get deliveries five days a week from Booker which is a fantastic service and enables us to offer the freshest and best-quality products on our

Hot stones can create great table theatre and a memorable experience.

menus.

SEASONAL SUCCESS “Customers can taste the difference and it definitely helps to drive repeat custom.”

Add further interest to your menus with seasonal local produce.

He’s not exaggerating. The Bell’s reputation for quality food and drink means that the pub is routinely fully

FLAT AND FABULOUS

booked, and is already sold out for Christmas.

Stone cooking has proved to be a big success Its three festive ‘Party Nights’ will offer customers a three-course menu with an array of classic options with a twist. And with a disco to follow, we’re sure those

for The Bell offering customers a unique and memorable dining experience to enjoy with loved ones, family and friends.

twists will extend beyond the plate and onto the dancefloor.

DECEMBER 2023

23

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PROFILE l ANTONIO'S BAR & GRILL, LIVERPOOL

STORY TIME

Antonio’s keeps its customers enthralled with stories about the past, its fantastic produce and its admirable sustainability goals.

The art of storytelling has endured since primitive cave dwellers first adorned their walls. Today, storytelling takes a myriad of forms and one man well-versed in the art is Tony Cummins, whose multi-award-winning bar and grill in the historical village of Knowsley, near Liverpool, has a cracking tale to tell.

Launched in 2015, Antonio’s Bar and Grill has established itself as one of Liverpool’s leading culinary lights, boasting a list of inspiring USPs, all of which are brought to life via storytelling. Housed in a centuries-old building, Antonio’s seeks to “take its customers on a

THE LOWDOWN

ANTONIO'S BAR & GRILL Venue Antonio's Bar & Grill Location Knowsley, Liverpool Format Bar and grill Caterer Tony Cummings Opening hours Wed-Sat 4pm-10pm Covers 60 inside, 50 in the garden Kitchen staff 15 Social media 9,000 followers

DECEMBER 2023

25

PROFILE l ANTONIO'S BAR & GRILL, LIVERPOOL

journey” back to the days of Shakespearean England.

“Knowsley has a rich history that can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086,” Tony explains. “Shakespeare is said to have performed a play here in 1589.

Having grown up in the village, I was inspired to tell its story and the story of this beautiful old building.”

Both stories are brought to life via the restaurant’s sumptuous candlelit interior, where rustic fixtures and historical artefacts have been cleverly used to create a “feel of yesteryear”. Local history books hang from the ceilings, while manuscripts, artworks and facts about Knowsley and Shakespearean England adorn the walls, along with quotes from the bard himself. “Dining with us is a real experience and when customers do so, they then become part of our story,” Tony adds.

Adding to that experience is Antonio’s outstanding culinary offer, which stars big, bold, authentic flavours and an opulent, banquet-style presentation. An exceptional grilled meat offer, featuring quality meat products from sustainable sources, forms the menu’s backbone.

Antonio’s main menu offers customers a quality mix of grilled meats from Booker’s Blackgate Signature

TONY'S SPECIAL BOARD UNIQUE SELLING POINT The rich history of Knowsley gives us a fantastic story to tell.

SUSTAINABILITY SUCCESS We have worked tirelessly to reduce our

carbon emissions and will continue to do so.

MEAT MATTERS We use meat from sustainable sources and promote lesser-known cuts.

26

DECEMBER 2023

PROFILE l ANTONIO'S BAR & GRILL, LIVERPOOL

range, including a 53oz Porterhouse Steak which it sells for £70, a 23oz T-bone steak for £36 and a top-selling ‘Kings Mixed Grill Feast’ for two for £80. “We use Booker’s 28-day-matured Blackgate Beef on our main menu which we then dry age ourselves for a further 24 days,” Tony says.

The restaurant’s artisan menu, meanwhile, stars a range of specialist Irish Salt Moss Dry Aged Steaks aged in salt caves for 28 days. Antonio’s sustainability story means Tony is always working to slash its carbon footprint.

The restaurant features a state-of-the-art carbon reduction extraction system and an innovative CO2 control unit. All the restaurant’s soft plastic products have also been replaced with reusable tote boxes – a move which Tony says has reduced its waste to landfill by 85%. All compostable waste is diverted to local farms or composted for use in the garden and all waste oil is 100% recycled. The restaurant promotes the refilling of glass water bottles, while water consumption is also kept in check with low-flow taps and toilets.

Antonio’s also focuses on energy efficiency, with lighting and motion sensors throughout – along with smart lighting that reads natural light levels and adjusts accordingly. Antonio’s green gains are highlighted to customers throughout their dining experience, as well as on its website, which receives more than 8,500 visits a month; on social media, where it has more than 9,000 followers; and in the local press, where it is the frequent subject of positive news stories.

Antonio’s success is not only demonstrated by its long waiting lists and rave customer reviews but also by accolades including Trip Advisor Traveller Choice Awards and Knowsley Business Awards. It also scooped the 2023/2024 Good Food Awards Gold Seal, and in March was crowned ‘Restaurant of the Year’ at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

“I’m incredibly proud of everything that we have achieved so far and of all the great things that I know are still to come,” Tony says. “Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do at Antonio’s. We do things right, we tell that story, and thankfully people are keen to listen.”

DECEMBER 2023

27

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FEATURE l CHRISTMAS DRINKS

UNLOCK LAST MINUTE PROFITS

WITH FESTIVE DRINKS UNTIL 2ND

JANUARY 20

24

Drive sales and profits this Christmas with a vast array of locked down pricing on Christmas drinks and a fantastic selection of festive fizz!

If there’s one time in the year when your

present a welcome opportunity for them

and the current pricing lockdown, the

customers are likely to cut loose a little and

to loosen the purse strings and indulge

largest ever offered, includes a vast array

put the budget to one side for a couple of

themselves for a change – and for many

of beers, wines, ciders and spirits, as well

weeks, it’s the festive period. The last year

that means a special tipple or two.

as many low- and no-alcohol options for

has been particularly challenging for many people, so Christmas and the new year

those looking to moderate their alcohol Fortunately, Booker has you covered

consumption but still join in the festive fun.

AWARD WINNING FIZZ Add some sparkle to your wine menu with award-winning fizz from Booker’s exceptional own-brand range. No fewer than four of Booker’s sparkling wines received awards at this year’s prestigious International Wine & Spirits Challenge (IWSC), highlighting the fantastic quality of these wines.

SILVER AWARD Previata Italian Sparkling Brut – £29.99 per case / £4.99 per bottle Prosecco Spumante – £38.99 per case / £6.50 per bottle COMMENDED Paul Langier Champagne – £16.99 per bottle Prosecco Rose Spumante Extra Dry – £38.99 per case / £6.50 per bottle

DECEMBER 2023

31

FEATURE l CHRISTMAS DRINKS

BEER BOOM

UNTIL 2ND

JANUARY 20

24

Beer and lager remains the biggest category in the off-trade and the pricing lockdown features something for every taste and every budget while also ensuring that you maximise profits on every bottle sold.

For lager lovers, the lockdown features exceptional pricing on a wide range of options from around the world, all at fantastic prices. The lockdown runs all the way through to 2 Jan so you can lock your profits in all the way into the new year.

A 24-pack of Budweiser 330ml bottles is available for the equivalent of just 83p a bottle, for instance, while Birra Moretti is on sale at the equivalent of just 88p a bottle and Peroni at 96p a bottle. In 12-packs, there’s a whole selection available at the equivalent of just 83p a bottle including Staropramen, Heineken, Madri Excepcional and Birrificio Angelo Poretti. At even better value is Cruzcampo which will only set you back 71p a bottle in a 12-pack.

The Christmas period is also likely to see many of your customers trading up to indulge themselves in ‘proper’ real and craft ales. Booker is offering some of the best sellers in the real ale category like Abbot Ale, Bishop’s Finger, Doom Bar and London Pride in 8-packs at just £10.99, or only £1.37 a bottle.

For fans of craft beer, Brewdog IPA is locked down at £13.99 for a case of 12

CIDER SEASON Also worth checking out is Booker’s

– £1.17 a bottle.

selection of locked down cider deals featuring key brands like Kopparberg, Old Mout, Magners and Inch’s. Kopparberg’s three core lines – Strawberry & Lime, Mixed Fruit and Tropical – are all available at just £21.99 for a case of 15 all the JAN UNTIL 2ND

UARY 2024

way through to January. That means you’re paying just £1.47 a bottle.

The new Kopparberg Spiced Cider is available at £11.99 for a case of £8, or just £1.50 a bottle, while four variants of Old Mout are available in 12-packs on a ‘2 for £31’ deal (excluding Scotland), taking the price per bottle down to just £1.29.

With locked down prices like these across so many lines, there’s plenty of scope for adding profits.

32

DECEMBER 2023

FEATURE l CHRISTMAS DRINKS

NO & LOW

UNTIL 2ND

JANUARY 20

24

FESTIVE FIZZ

With alcohol moderation an increas-

For many of your customers, the festive season means just one thing: fizz. And while

ingly common phenomenon, it

lots of people will be looking to celebrate with a glass or three of something special,

makes sense to ensure you stock

they still don’t want to pay over the odds – which is why Booker’s outstanding range

a range of products for people

of award-winning sparkling wines represents such a great profit opportunity.

looking to reduce or eliminate their consumption of alcohol over the

At this year’s International Wine Challenge (IWC), the globally recognised Oscars

festive period and beyond. With Dry

of the drinks industry, Booker sparkling wines claimed no fewer than four separate

January on the horizon, it also makes

awards. With a judging panel comprised of independent, experienced wine

sense to stock up now in preparation

experts, these awards clearly demonstrate the outstanding quality of Booker’s

for all those New Year’s resolutions.

sparkling range. Claiming a prestigious Silver IWC Award were both the Previata Italian Sparkling Brut and the Prosecco Spumante. Fresh, delicate and complex,

Booker offers a great range of

both wines provide the opportunity to add some affordable luxury to your wine

locked down pricing on big-brand

menu while also helping grow your bottom line.

low and no-alcohol alternatives from brands like Peroni, Heineken

Also among the winners at this year’s IWC Awards were the Paul Langier Champagne

and Corona as well as some great

and the Prosecco Rose Spumante Extra Dry which both collected a Commended

low and no alcohol wine alterna-

Award.

tives. There’s even a selection of alcohol-free sparkling wine alterna-

For customers that will settle for nothing less than the best, Paul Langier Champagne

tives from trusted brands like Freix-

is a superb option that delivers everything a great champagne does, except the

enet and Kylie.

price tag. At just £16.99 a bottle, Paul Langier Champagne allows you to offer a fully-fledged, top quality, award-winning champagne to your customers at a great value price while also delivering big cash profits for your business.

AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY

DECEMBER 2023

33

FEATURE l BLACKGATE ON THE BONE RANGE

BEEF UP YOUR PROFITS

Booker’s exclusive range of Blackgate On The Bone products is perfect for maximising profits this festive period, for sharing or for those with big appetites.

After a year of financial austerity and

BEST OF THE BEST

obsessing about what they’re spending

It’s with that in mind that Booker has

every week, what could be more luxurious

locked down the pricing on its fabulous

and indulgent for customers looking to

Blackgate range of on-the-bone beef

splash out on the ultimate lunch or dinner

lines, offering you the chance to provide

than a traditional on-the-bone beef dish?

your customers with a quality-guaranteed dish sure to satisfy.

Nothing gets the juices going for many customers quite like the sight of a

Whether served as a large dish to share

perfectly cooked on the bone Cote du

or just for those with big appetites, the

Boeuf arriving at their table, or perhaps a

Blackgate on the bone range features

lovely Tomahawk or T-bone steak cooked

something for every taste. As with

just to their liking.

all Blackgate products, the range is completely covered by the 100% Money

Wash it down with a cracking glass of

Back Guarantee. If you or your customers

red or a deep, rich ale and you have

are anything less than delighted, you get

the perfect festive meal that helps the

your money back with no quibbles. That’s

concerns of the year fall away.

how much confidence Booker has in the quality of the range.

34

NEW PRODUCTS l @BOOKER

UNTIL 2ND

JANUARY 20

24

BLACKGATE ON THE BONE RANGE Cote du Boeuf

M288939 Côte du Boeuf – £17.99 per kilo

35

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FEATURE l BLACKGATE ON THE BONE RANGE

The entire Blackgate range features exclusive and premium quality meat from British and Irish farms to ensure it delivers the quality you and your customers demand and deserve.

PROFITS ON THE BONE A fantastic option is the exquisite

BLACKGATE ON THE BONE RANGE

Blackgate Côte du Boeuf which can be served whole for a truly showstopping and Instagram-worthy dish that will feed a

TOMAHAWK STEAK

hungry family or group of friends or work

M288937

colleagues.

Tomahawk – £15.99 per kilo

At just £17.99 a kilo, it’s also great value and leaves massive scope for profit. And don’t forget that the price has been locked down all the way through to 2 Jan 2024 so you can liven up your Christmas menu in confidence, knowing your profits are also locked in. Served on a wooden chopping

pepper and some rough sea salt, it’s a

BLACKGATE ON THE BONE RANGE

centrepiece to take the breath away, as

T-BONE STEAK

board with a few sprigs of rosemary and speckled with freshly cracked black

M288932

well as the hunger.

T-Bone Steak – £18.99 per kilo

RAISE THE STEAKS

Or how about the Blackgate on-the-

Similarly, raise your steak game with a

bone T-Bone Steak, a worthy classic that

couple of exceptional Blackgate on the

will make sure your customers leave fully

EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE

bone steak options.

sated and with a huge smile on their

All three on-the-bone options, just like

faces.

the entire Blackgate range, are available

The Blackgate on-the-bone Tomahawk

and trust when Christmas rolls around.

with the support of our highly skilled

Steak is a classic steak featuring that

A king of steaks, the T-Bone is available

and experienced Master and craft

distinctive curved bone, ideal for picking

for just £18.99 a kilo and is a go-to

butchers ready to offer expert advice on

up to get to every last bit of tender, juicy

option, particularly for those customers

everything from cooking the dishes to

meat. At just £15.99 a kilo, it offers great

who perhaps don’t buy steak most of the

maximising your profits. It’s all part of

value to you and your customers.

year but want something they recognise

the service.

SEE ALL OF BOOKER’S NEW OWN BRAND LINES AT BOOKER.CO.UK *Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected.

Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only.

Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

DECEMBER 2023

37

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FEATURE l FRESH 5

FRESH PROFITS WITH

FRESH FIVE RESH 5 FESTIVE FE UNTIL 2 AVAILABL 4

Booker’s popular Fresh 5 promotions help catering customers cut costs and maximise profits on everyday fresh lines – and a special festive Fresh 5 will help make Christmas sparkle.

JAN 202

Booker’s Fresh 5 promotions proved to be an instant hit with catering customers since the programme was first launched over a year ago and it’s not difficult to see why. Most Booker catering customers will work their way through a vast quantity of fresh vegetables and fruit in the average week so a rolling promotional programme that offers market-leading deals on high volume, everyday fresh lines has proven to be a fantastic way for catering customers to reduce costs and grow profits.

Featuring five different products each

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FEATURE l FRESH 5

Booker promotional period all year round, Fresh 5 delivers great-quality products at fantastic prices.

The Farm Fresh own-brand range from Booker is renowned for its consistent quality and outstanding pricing, helping you create delicious, great-tasting dishes for your customers while maximising profits.

FRESH CHRISTMAS When Christmas rolls around, as it will soon, demand for key festive fresh lines like Brussels sprouts, potatoes and parsnips spikes as festive dinners begin to appear on menus.

To help catering customers cut the cost of Christmas and optimise profits from the key festive period, Booker has created a special Festive Fresh 5 that lets them make huge savings on fresh lines that are core to the Christmas dining experience.

Customers, for example, can buy a 10kg pack of Farm Fresh Carrots for just £4.99, a huge £3 saving.

Similarly, a 5kg pack of Farm Fresh parsnips is available for just £7.50, a saving of £2 on the standard price, while a 20kg pack of Farm Fresh Washed White Potatoes is just £8.99, a saving of £1.

The Festive Fresh 5 also features a 3kg pack of Farm Fresh Brussels Sprouts for only £4.99 and, of course, a 1kg pack of Farm Fresh clementines for just £1.65.

FESTIVE FLAIR The Festive Fresh 5 has been specially created to help you make important savings on key lines and deliver a much-needed profitable festive period for your business. The promotions are available all the way through until 2 January 2024 so you can plan your menus – and profits – in confidence, right the way through to the new year. xxx

SEE WWW.BOOKER.CO.UK FOR MORE FRESH LINES Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected. Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only. Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

DECEMBER 2023

41

FEATURE l LOCKED DOWN PRICING

FESTIVE BONANZA WITH

LOCKED DOWN PRICES Booker has frozen prices for over 700 products until 2 January 2024 to help see you through the festive season with great margins and end the year on a high.

With the festive season in full swing, planning your menu in complete confidence that your margins are protected is crucial to welcome the new year in strong business terms. To help you end the year on a high, Booker has frozen the prices for over 700 products until 2 January 2024, covering all-important categories including desserts, deli items, bakery and cupboard essentials. Creating delicious and simple-to-prepare dishes has never been easier, so head over to Booker’s website to choose from the best ranges guaranteed to not break the bank.

CADBURY DRINKING CHOCOLATE M577486 £58.94 6X2K

M690313

CADBURY HOT CHOCOLATE INSTANT M680470 £64.94 6X2KG

£25.99

8X1KG/ 1X1KG

42

GALAXY INSTANT HOT CHOCOLATE STICKS M132047 £13.49

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CHEF’S LARDER COOKED STREAKY BACON 500G M233728 £10.99

1X50X28G

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LICHFIELDS FAIRTRADE HOT CHOCOLATE SACHETS M277408 £10.79

SMOKED SALMON 1KG M002462 £19.99

50S

DECEMBER 2023

FEATURE l LOCKED DOWN PRICING

MARGARET’S COUNTRY KITCHEN FONDANT FANCIES 12XSGL M229843 £11.99

CHEF’S LARDER PREMIUM LUXURY CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE 14PTN M257877 £8.99

SIDOLI CHOCOLATE & ORANGE CAKE 14PTN M163384 £14.69

CHEF’S LARDER GLUTEN FREE CHOCOLATE BROWNIE 15PTN M273636 £18.49

CHEF’S LARDER GLUTEN FREE NEW YORK CHEESECAKE 14PTN M276798 £13.59

CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE 18PTN M257602 £8.49

MARGARET’S COUNTRY KITCHEN MIXED SLICES/ BAKEWELL TARTS/ ASSORTED TARTLETS 12XSGL M123207/M122893/M135436 £12.35

LICHFIELDS CLASSIC LUXURY MIXED CUPCAKES 12XSGL/ 85G M174529/M193497 £13.25

CHEF’S LARDER BELGIAN SUGAR WAFFLES 20X90G M234118 £12.49

KATER BAKE BAO BUNS 30X50G M286539 £13.49

GA THICK & CREAMY MIXED FRUIT YOGURT 20X125G M286845 £8.45

OATLY! OAT DRINK BARISTA EDITION 6X1LTR M247156 £8.69

*Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected. Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only. Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

DECEMBER 2023

43

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IN THE BUSINESS

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PROFILE l LOCKED DOWN PRICING

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CHEF’S LARDER GRAVY MIX FOR POULTRY/ MEAT DISHES 2X2KG M250044 / M250039 £13.99 2KG M250045/M250042 £7.99

KNORR GRAVY GRANULES FOR MEAT DISHES / FOR POULTRY 1X1.8KG M210399 £17.19

CHEF’S LARDER CRANBERRY SAUCE 2X2.5KG/2.5KG M275165/ M275166 £24.99 £12.99

*Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected.

Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only.

Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

DECEMBER 2023

45

SERVICE l MEET THE TEAM

SAY HELLO TO...

JESS HORTON JESS, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF…

AND YOU WERE INVOLVED IN THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP?

I’m Jess Horton and I’m the relatively new

Yes, I was fortunate enough to manage

PR & Press Manager for Booker across

Weetabix’s sponsorship of the Women’s

both the retail and catering divisions. I only

World Cup which was really exciting. It was

joined Booker in August this year so I’m still

truly multi-disciplinary project and I had to

very much in the process of learning about

work with all sorts of different teams and

the company, its people, its ethos and

individuals to deliver the project – and that

its customers – but I can already say that

experience is really helping me in my new

it’s a fantastic place to work with endless

role at Booker.

opportunities for me to help Booker and its customers continue to grow and develop.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE?

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU JOINED BOOKER?

As PR & Press Manager, I’m essentially

I was with Weetabix as Brand Execution

external PR and communications. That

Manager, which basically means that I

means, for example, that I manage all of the

oversaw how the brand was presented

Booker magazines, including Catering@

to the world. My role was to ensure that,

Booker, write all of our press releases, liaise

from start to finish, projects and initiatives

with the trade media, organise and oversee

Jess Horton joined Booker as PR &

were executed efficiently and in line with

our attendance at various industry events

Press Manager in August this year

our overall corporate strategy and goals.

and manage our internal communications

from Weetabix where she was Brand

In practice that meant I got to work across

as well as all of our external communica-

Execution Manager overseeing a

virtually every aspect of the company and

tions, including queries from everyone

had the opportunity to get involved in a

from shoppers themselves to MPs to trade

wide range of projects, promotions, events

bodies to caterers and retailers.

ABOUTJESS JESS HORTON

range of shopper-facing projects and brand initiatives. She also managed Weetabix’s involvement with the Women’s World Cup. She

responsible for all aspects of internal and

and more.

worked closely with the English Football Association managiing the brand’s activity across all customer touchpoints including on-pack promotions and in-store activity.

At Booker she handles all press and PR events, and all external

I'm very busy but that's one of the things I enjoy about the job. I enjoy the challenge of dealing with so many opportunities and tasks daily.

communications and trade marketing.

46

DECEMBER 2023

C.a.r.e IN everY drop †

*Cravendale is filtered so it lasts for 7 days when opened and 21 days unopened. †Arla Cravendale milk is segregated on farm and is then filtered for purity. **Nielsen, value sales, 52we, 15th July 2023.

The UK’s No 1 milK braNd +9.2% YoY **

We are CommiTTed To all aspeCTs of

sCaN To disCover more

berTha & rUTh Cheshire

SERVICE l MEET THE TEAM

We are lucky to have so many amazing catering and retail customers and the more I meet them and find out about them, the more excited I am about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024 and beyond.

SOUNDS LIKE YOU’RE BUSY?

deliver a great service to our customers.

events per week, usually evening

I’m very busy! But that’s one of the

In my role I have to deal with just about

events – so I spend a lot of time travel-

things I really enjoy about the job. No

every department at Booker to make

ling, but the events provide an oppor-

two days are ever the same and there

sure that all of our PR and communica-

tunity for me to meet our retailers,

are always challenges and deadlines to

tions, in the widest possible sense, is

caterers, suppliers, trade organisa-

meet, but I thrive on that sort of role.

co-ordinated, joined-up and timely.

tions, media partners and the many

I like to think I’m a very organised sort

Booker colleagues who aren’t based

of person and I enjoy the challenge of

There are so many opportunities out

in the same office as me. It’s a great

dealing with so many opportunities

there for both Booker and for their

way of fast-tracking my learning about

and tasks to deal with every day.

customers and I get a real sense of satis-

the company and our all-important

faction out of helping unlock some of

customers.

AND ARE YOU ENJOYING YOUR NEW ROLE?

those opportunities, particularly so early in my career at Booker.

I’m loving it! Everyone at Booker has

We are lucky to have so many amazing catering and retail customers and the more I meet them and the more I find

it’s made my first few months really enjoy-

DO YOU HAVE TO SPEND MUCH TIME ON THE ROAD?

able. It’s a really nice culture within the

Yes, I do, particularly at this time of

about the opportunities that lie ahead

company and I think that allows us to

year. I probably attend two to three

in 2024 and beyond.

been so welcoming and supportive and

DECEMBER 2023

out about them, the more excited I am

49

SERVICE l SIMPLE COCKTAILS

JUGS OF PROFIT!

The festive season is a great time to add sparkle to your drinks menu with easy-toprepare cocktails with profits that can be supercharged by offering them by the jug. showstopping and Insta-worthy!

With costs per serving as little as 73p, there’s plenty of scope for profit on typical sell prices of £6.00 or so – and if you really want to max out cash profit, why not sell cocktails by the jug? As the serving suggestions in this feature show, you can clear a cash profit of £7.97 on every jug of Long Island Ice Tea you sell for just £14.00.

Preparing cocktails by the jug also means less time and effort for your bar and service teams, and the sight of servers delivering spectacular jugs of cocktails to tables is likely to encourage other customers to order “one of whatever they’re having”.

After a long and challenging year for

fantastic range of amazing value and great

many of our customers, the festive period

quality own-brand spirits like Chekov

JOLLY SEASON

brings a welcome opportunity for some

Vodka, Cane Trader White Rum, Grosvenor

The Christmas and New Year period will

much-needed indulgence, and what could

Gin and Don Angel Blanco Tequila.

hopefully see your customers loosen the purse strings a little and treat themselves

be more indulgent than a delicious and

QUICK AND EASY

to something special – so you won’t go far

Cocktails needn’t be complicated or

wrong by adding a few cocktails to your

Putting together a menu of some of the

time-consuming to prepare and serve.

drinks menu, or even creating a dedicated

most popular cocktails can be a relatively

Some of the biggest-selling cocktails like

cocktail menu, highlighting cocktails by

straightforward and inexpensive task, even

the Mojito or Woo Woo require only a few

the jug. Shout about it on social media

if you don’t normally offer cocktails, particu-

easily accessible ingredients and can be

and there’s every chance you’ll see fresh

larly if you take advantage of Booker’s

prepared in minutes, and the results can be

footfall, sales and profits.

attention-grabbing cocktail or two?

Prices and products are correct at time of going to print and are not guaranteed unless stated, errors expected.

Subject to changes without prior consultation. Recipes, serves and idea are suggestions only and for illustration only, subject to change without notice. Please note products will be subject to availability and local listing, please check with your branch for details.

50

DECEMBER 2023

SERVICE l SIMPLE COCKTAILS

SERVING SUGGESTION

SERVING SUGGESTION

Mojito (single/jug)

Sex On The Beach (single/jug)

SELL PRICE: £6.00/£14.00

SELL PRICE: £6.00/£12.00

COST/SERVING £1.31/£3.69

COST/SERVING: 73P/£2.19

PROFIT: 74%/66%

PROFIT: 87%/81%

CASH PROFIT: £3.69/£7.74

CASH PROFIT: £4.27/£7.81

SERVING SUGGESTION

SERVING SUGGESTION

Woo Woo (single/jug)

Long Island Ice Tea (single/jug)

SELL PRICE: £6.00/£12.00

SELL PRICE: £7.00/£14.00

COST/SERVING: 71P/£2.13

COST/SERVING: £1.48/£3.70

PROFIT: 87%/81%

PROFIT: 78%/72%

CASH PROFIT: £4.29/£7.87

CASH PROFIT: £4.35/£7.97

DECEMBER 2023

INGREDIENTS LIST! MCODE

PRODUCT

PRICE

M066533 Chekov Vodka 70cl

£10.59

M185296 Cane Trader White Rum 70cl

£10.99

M065636 Grosvenor Gin 70cl

£10.99

M192185 Don Angel Blanco Tequila 70cl

£12.49

M205697 Angels Peach Schnapps 70cl

£5.99

M545720 De Kuyper Triple Sec 50cl

£12.99

M184882 Funkin Margarita Mix 1ltr

£5.29

M181227 Funkin Mojito Mix 1ltr

£5.29

M085325 Coca-Cola Post Mix 7ltr

£68.79

M266568 Princes Orange Juice 8x1ltr

£7.19

M083676 Sunpride Cranberry Juice 12x1ltr £11.79

51

Quick serves FOR SPRING

With the new year round the corner and the iced beverage market growing by 14.3% annually, there’s no better time to give your drinks menu a spring clean! Iced teas and coolers are a great way to improve your profit margin, being sold for an average of £3.70 at coffee shops in 2023.

33

JUST

SERVINGS PER BOTTLE

18p

PER DRINK

Simply Sugar Free Peach Iced Tea 1ltr M283926 £5.99 Simply Dragon Fruit & Mango Cooler 1ltr M283938 £5.99

SERVICE l CHEESEBOARD

BUILD A WINNING

CHEESEBOARD

A good cheeseboard helps grow spend per head and Booker’s award-winning range has everything you need to deliver a memorable and profitable end to every meal.

BETTER BOARD Chef’s Larder Premium Taw Valley Mature Cheddar/5kg / 2.5kg £34.95 / £17.48

Chef’s Larder Premium Crunch/4 x 1kg £31.89 / single £7.99

the cheeseboard. You may have noticed, for example, a trend for more casual grazing boards featuring, not just a tempting array of cheeses, but also cornichons and pickled onions, perhaps a couple of pickles, a few

Chef’s Larder Premium Chilli Jam 6 x 1.25kg £49.99 / single £8.49

walnuts, some grapes and maybe even a selection of charcuterie.

Both offer endless ways to unleash the creativity of your kitchen team without adding to their workload – and both help

Chef’s Larder Caramelised Red Onion Chutney/6 x 1.1 litre £38.89 / single £6.49

to grow your profits. Most of the work can be done in advance so preparation and serving time can be reduced to a bare minimum.

For many customers there are fewer better

AWARD WINNERS

ways of ending a fantastic meal than with

Whichever option you go for Booker has an

an indulgent cheeseboard and maybe

array of own-brand cheeses on offer as well

a glass of top-notch port to help wash it

as an extensive array of chutneys, relishes,

down. With Christmas on the near horizon,

chilli jams, and crackers and biscuits. Some

it’s the ideal time to take a fresh look at your

of these cheeses have claimed high-profile

cheeseboard or consider adding one if you

prizes at independent awards ceremonies

don’t already have it on your menu.

so that tells you all you need to know about

Chef’s Larder Biscuits for Cheese/6 x 1kg £56.49 / single £9.49

Chef’s Larder Stilton/1.1kg £12.64

the quality.

TRADITIONAL OR MODERN? There are, of course, many traditionalists who

Chef’s Larder Stilton was a winner at this

simply want a great, classic cheeseboard

year’s Food Management Today Awards

featuring three or four varieties of quality,

while Chef’s Larder Premium Crunch

different-style cheeses and a few crackers.

claimed a coveted Quality Food Award in

Others, however, want a modern take on

2022.

DECEMBER 2023

53

LAUNCH REVIEW l GAMMON JOINT AND BACON CHOPS

BRINGING HOME THE BACON With the festive season just around the corner, Booker is helping you add choice to your menu with some great new gammon and bacon chop options.

TOPPING SYRUPS

LIVEN UP THEIR PLATES

Give your coffees a tasty twist with

ness to your lattes and iced coffees

Booker’s new Lichfields syrups that are

at great value for your customers and

available as a ‘Buy any 3 for 2’ offer. At

bigger profits for you. For something

just £27.96 for six 1ltr bottles, or £6.99

more festive, why not give the new

per bottle, the new range is a perfect way

Simply Gingerbread Syrup or Simply

to add choice and theatre to your coffee

Pumpkin Spice Syrup a go, for just

menu.

£31.99 for a pack of six 1ltr bottles.

ages offer and grow your profits than

Flavours include delicious hazelnut,

Drizzle just a few drops into your

by taking advantage of a fantastic new

vanilla and caramel, allowing you to add

customers’ favourite coffees and you

range of topping syrups.

creaminess, nuttiness and subtle sweet-

will have elevated the whole experience

With the festive season in full swing, it’s a great time to spruce up your hot bever-

54

DECEMBER 2023

For many people, there’s nothing quite so warming and homely at this time of year as a fantastic joint of gammon or some bacon chops, and thanks to some new lines from Booker, it’s never been easier to create satisfying dishes that make for happy customers as well as great profits for you.

The all-new gammon joint and bacon chops offerings are, of course, perfect for carveries and can help elevate your Sunday specials but they’re incredibly versatile and can also be used to add choice and excitement to your menus all week round.

CLASSIC DISH For many of your customers, a gammon

Serve it with roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts,

Booker’s new bacon chops offer a tasty twist

joint is more than just a wholesome, hearty

carrots and parnsips, all smothered in delicious

on a classic dish and can help shake up your

meal – it’s great British tradition packed

gravy and you have a crowd-pleaser par excel-

breakfast or lunch offering.

full of nostalgia, great memories, as well as

lence to add more excitement to your menu.

fantastic flavours.

Very simple to cook, it sits well alongside in Great at both lunch and dinner time, it’s a

a carvery or a traditional roast dinner and

Booker’s new gammon joint provides a

no-nonsense joint that delivers satisfaction

topped up with vegetables and gravy and

great way to tap into that nostalgia while

every time and will keep your customers

maybe even a glass of red wine it makes for

keeping your costs down and your profits

coming back for more

a very satisfying option.

joint weighing in at around at 8kg, it is the

CHOP CHOP

At just £4.99 for a pack of four (227g), they

perfect centrepiece for some spectacular

Value is on everyone’s lips these days

are a great value, versatile choice that

dishes that will help create theatre and add

and for good reason, which is why more

requires minimum preparation time, helping

value for your customers while helping you

filling dining opportunities at great prices

you increase profits and ensure delighted

maximise sales and profits.

are always a winner with your customers.

customers.

up. At just £4.59 per kilo with the average

with festive notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, spice and gingerbread.

M287309/M287303/M287307

Lichfields Hazelnut/ Vanilla/Caramel Syrups 6x1ltr £27.96 M287312/M287304/M287308

Booker has also launched a Simply Pumpkin Spice Topping Sauce which you can add not only to your seasonal frappés and lattes, but also desserts such as cheesecakes.

DECEMBER 2023

1x1ltr £6.99 M287312/M287304/M287308

Simply Gingerbread Syrup/Simply Pumpkin Spice Syrup 6x1ltr £31.99 M281529/M281438 1ltr £5.99

55

WHAT IS #FAIRKITCHENS? A Fair Kitchen is a workplace with a sustainable and positive kitchen culture. One where staff happiness and mental wellbeing is as important as diner satisfaction.

As we approach a busy season, it is more important than ever to help build a better kitchen culture which attracts and encourages all to stay in the industry.

#FAIRKITCHENS

movement aims to open the conversation around working conditions in foodservice and hospitality and help to build a better kitchen culture which attracts and encourages all to stay in the industry.

#FairKitchens needs you!

We need to work together to make the changes we want to see.

Share your support in 3 ways:

1

Follow us on social media

/wearefairkitchens @wearefairkitchens #FairKitchens

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3

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