Chef and restauranteur Paul Heathcote is helping to combat rising obesity among children by launching a new menu at his Olive Press restaurant.
The new healthy choices include baked mushrooms, char grilled chicken strips and fresh fruit salads for dessert. All mains come with a selection of optional side orders that includes green vegetables, salad and new potatoes.
Paul said: “It is important for youngsters to see they can enjoy the food they like but that treats need to be balanced with something healthy like fresh fruit for dessert and a glass of fruit juice rather than a fizzy drink.
“This isn’t about cutting out any types of food, so there are still indulgent options like warm chocolate turnover and ice cream, but by offering healthy alternatives I hope our younger diners will learn to make balanced choices when they come to the restaurant and at home too.”
And for parents looking to treat the family on a tighter budget, the new kids’ menu at the Castle Street eatery has been reduced to just £4.95 for a main course, dessert and a drink.
Paul added: “While we may have technically come out of the recession, many people are still working with a limited budget and it was important for our menus to reflect that.”
The decision to introduce a new menu follows a report from the Audit Commission. Latest figures show that despite an estimated £10.9 billion being spent directly or indirectly on under-fives’ health in England since 1998, the health of this age group has not improved significantly and cases of childhood obesity have continued to increase.
All dishes sold at the Olive Press are made on site and use fresh and, wherever possible, locally source ingredients.
Paul has launched a special Little Olives reward card specifically for young diners at his Olive Press restaurants.
Aimed at encouraging creativity in the kitchen, the card entitles youngsters to a special gift once they have completed a series of culinary tasks.
For more information about Heathcotes restaurants, visit www.heathcotes.co.uk or follow Paul on Twitter @paul_heathcote
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