28 July 2010
Moorhouse’s pub cooks up health accolade
A Moorhouse’s pub has been praised in a North West council’s battle to promote healthier eating.
The Pendle Witch at Atherton, Greater Manchester, has received a Wigan Council Healthy Business Award – given to cafes, canteens and chippies across the borough.
“When you see something on our menu, you know it’s homemade” – that’s the pledge from chef Jason Baxter. Since the team at the Witch signed up to Wigan Council’s healthy business agenda all their meals are freshly made on the premises.
A popular town centre hostelry and famous for many years as a real ale house, the Pendle Witch, in Warburton Place, has seen major investment by the award winning brewery to develop the food business, with enhanced kitchen facilities and a new conservatory dining area.
The pub’s CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) credentials go back more than ten years and it was voted Pub of the Year 2009 by the South East Lancashire Branch. But long-term landlady Joan Houghton really wanted to give customers something more.
“Everyone knows our pub as one where you can get a variety of high quality beers,” Joan said. “Now, with our new menus, we’re developing a reputation for offering food that’s a bit more special than the usual burger or pie and pint.”
Jason’s menus state in detail exactly what he has used to make their meal. He aims to produce healthy food so customers can be confident as to precisely what they are eating and how it has been cooked. He’s even removed salt cellars from the tables.
“Of course people can have salt if they want it,” he said. “But I carefully prepare each meal and ensure unhealthy ingredients like too much salt are kept out. Taste it first!” Each table also displays a small triangular card, which has facts about salt intake to re-enforce the message that having less salt is healthier.
Wigan Council’s Cabinet Champion for Lifestyles, Cllr Paul Prescott says: “Pub grub has a mixed reputation, but here’s a venue which is not only celebrating food but also offering something way beyond basic bar snacks in terms of quality and style.”
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Mike Hiscock, Moorhouse’s national sales manager, said: “We’re delighted that the Pendle Witch is working with Wigan Council. Being a healthy business is important to us and shows we’re committed to giving choice and quality to customers. Also this is further evidence that our investment in the pub is paying off.”- ends /ref MHPR Pendle Witch
Note to editors: Moorhouse’s Brewery is the North West’s leading dedicated cask ale brewery and has won more awards than any comparable brewer, with its Pendle Witch brands achieving international acclaim.
Photograph: Landlady Joan Houghton shows off the healthy menu, with Moorhouse’s Mike Hiscock and chef Jason Baxter (high resolution and alternative images available on request)
For further information contact: Steve Hobman at Rhino PR: 07751 578605 or John Rowbotham
Media & PR Officer Wigan Council Media and Communications Team tel: 01942 827116 (internal 2116)
or visit the Healthy Business Awards section of Wigan Council’s website – www.wigan.gov.uk/Services/BusinessRegeneration/HBA
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