At Cheshire Cat Pubs, our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and this year’s Big Green Plate-Off Challenge was no exception. This exciting event brought together our pub teams, from food champions to chefs, as we worked to create delicious dishes that align with our ethos of “Fresh, Seasonal, Local.” The challenge not only showcased culinary creativity but also strengthened our ties with local suppliers, and helped foster teamwork across our pubs.

A special shoutout goes to our incredible vegetable supplier, Oliver Perry’s of Holmes Chapel, who made this challenge possible. Working closely with their local farmers, Graham and Roy, we were able to incorporate the freshest produce into our dishes. From root vegetables and brassicas grown at Graham’s farm to the vibrant tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers from Roy’s fields, every ingredient used reflected the very best of our local harvest.

Our chefs and food champions took their learning from the Local Grower’s Day to heart, bringing their newfound knowledge back to the kitchen to craft dishes that emphasised sustainability. It’s been incredible to see their enthusiasm and creativity grow, as they experimented with eco-friendly cooking techniques and seasonal ingredients. Front and back of house teams worked together to bring the dishes to life and educate our guests on the importance of locally sourced, sustainable produce. The energy and pride from each pub were palpable, and the competition not only sparked a healthy rivalry but also motivated the teams to learn, grow, and share their newfound skills.

It’s clear that this initiative has laid the groundwork for even more sustainable practices moving forward. Thank you to everyone who took part and to Oliver Perry’s for providing such incredible produce, which allowed us to showcase the very best of Cheshire in our kitchens. Here’s to many more collaborations as we continue to strengthen our “Fresh, Seasonal, Local” approach!

At Cheshire Cat Pubs, we believe that a little fun, learning, and team bonding go a long way! Over the past few weeks, our Head Chefs and General Managers have been on some exciting trips that are all about more than just good food and drink (though we definitely enjoyed plenty of that!). It’s about building a stronger, closer team that can bring even more energy and creativity to our pubs. Let’s dive into what we’ve been up to lately…

Vineyard Adventures in Mallorca!

First up, Tim and Mary whisked our Head Chefs away to Mallorca, where they explored the beautiful vineyards of Macia Batle and sipped their way through some fine wines in the quaint town of Biniali. The trip was filled with great food, incredible wine, and plenty of laughs. But it wasn’t just about indulging—it was a chance for our chefs to step away from the kitchen, share ideas, and find inspiration that they can bring back to their teams and menus.

Porto Fun for the General Managers!

Meanwhile, our General Managers were treated to an unforgettable adventure in Porto! After visiting the Douro valley, sipping Alvarinho and Vinho Verde, and enjoying the rich flavors of the region, they headed to the city for a night of dancing and good times. The next day, they toured Graham’s Port house in Vila Nova de Gaia, where they experienced an incredible array of ports. This trip wasn’t just about soaking up the culture (though that was a huge perk!)—it was about recharging and returning to the pubs with fresh ideas and motivation.

Why We Do It

At Cheshire Cat Pubs, team building and ongoing education are at the heart of what we do. Trips like these bring our teams closer, creating bonds that make for a happy, motivated workplace. Whether it’s learning about wine or just enjoying each other’s company, these experiences help us grow stronger together, and that translates directly to what we do every day—making our pubs places of warmth, creativity, and fantastic hospitality.

A huge thank you to all old friends and new friends we made along the way, including Adam and Shaun from Boutinot wines, Bernardo and his father Louis at Vila Nova, who welcomed us into their home, and of course, thanks to Anthony Symington for showing us around Graham’s and treating us to an amazing tasting.

So, whether you’re a guest stopping in for a pint or someone thinking about joining our family, know that here, it’s not just a job—it’s a place where we learn, grow, and have a great time doing it.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Cheshire Cat Pubs, we are delighted to share the ongoing success of our ground-breaking ‘Champions Programme.’ Tailored to enhance every aspect of our guest experience, this initiative has become a cornerstone of our commitment to excellence.

Meet our formidable ‘Food Champions,’ ‘Beer Champions,’ ‘Spirit Champions,’ and ‘Wine Champions’ – the dynamic force propelling our dedication to exceptional customer service and unrivalled product knowledge.

The Journey: In recent months, our champions embarked on a series of captivating educational adventures, venturing on group trips to local suppliers. These outings were not merely recreational; they played a pivotal role in deepening their understanding of specific domains, underscoring our dedication to sourcing FRESH – SEASONAL – LOCAL ingredients whenever possible. 

Collaborative Learning: Interactive training sessions took centre stage, creating an environment where knowledge flowed freely, and skills were refined. Armed with newfound expertise, our champions are now better equipped to lead and inspire their teams across various pubs in Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Impact Beyond the Pub: The influence of our Champions Programme reaches far beyond the walls of our pubs. Our champions have returned to their respective locations as knowledge beacons, sharing insights and passion with their teams. This ensures that every guest receives impeccable service and well-informed recommendations.

Celebrating Excellence: As we toast to the success of this program, we also raise a glass to the dedication and enthusiasm of our champions. Their commitment to raising the bar serves as a shining example for our entire team.

A Heartfelt Thank You: A heartfelt thank you to our incredible champions, whose passion and dedication transform Cheshire Cat Pubs into an extraordinary space. Together, we’re not just serving food and drinks; we’re crafting memorable experiences for our guests.

Stay Tuned: As we continue to innovate and elevate the pub experience, stay tuned for more exciting updates on our journey of continuous improvement.

Our wine champion program at Cheshire Cat has kicked off with tremendous enthusiasm. Last week’s ‘Forward with Fundamentals’ training provided our champions with a unique opportunity to delve deep into their grape knowledge. The session served as a platform for these enthusiasts to geek up on the intricacies of wine.

Yesterday, our champions ventured to Liverpool for an immersive tasting experience courtesy of Boutinot Wines. The trip not only broadened their palates but also allowed them to explore the great delights that Boutinot Wines have in their arsenal. A heartfelt thank you to Adam and the Boutinot Wines team for extending the invitation.

The excitement lingers as we look forward to where our champions program will lead the team next. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey of wine exploration and education.

This week, our dedicated chefs embarked on a fascinating journey through the breath-taking landscapes and diverse culinary scenes of Northern Ireland. From the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway to the historic cities of Derry and Donegal, our culinary team immersed themselves in the rich flavours and cultural tapestry of this enchanting region.

Taking a well-deserved break, our chefs relished the opportunity to indulge in the finest local dishes and sample the exceptional Irish Malt at the renowned Bushmills Distillery. These moments of relaxation and gastronomic exploration have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on our culinary experts.

As our chefs return, we eagerly anticipate the creative influence this trip will have on our upcoming menus. Stay tuned to discover how the flavours and experiences of Northern Ireland will shape and enhance the culinary delights offered at Cheshire Cat Pubs.