THE Den is aiming to tap into the local family market with its fresh-focused food offer.
This summer has seen operators Caroline Smith and Russell Buchanan take steps to ease the burden on stressed out parents with a holiday meal offer.
It’s part of a long-term plan to cultivate a reputation as a family dining destination.
“We’re running a summer holiday promotion – basically a free main meal from the kids menu with every main course ordered,” Russell explained.
“I don’t have kids myself but I know the summer holidays can be quite a challenging time for people with children.”
Locals cannot expect to see processed chicken goujons or smile potato faces on the menu, though. All items are cooked from scratch, with ingredients sourced as locally – and frequently – as possible. Suppliers include Eden Mill Farm near Blanefield, which collaborates with The Den on food and wine dinners.
Russell said the early signs are that the food strategy is working well, with business already secured from local parents groups (who meet in the Burgh Hall across the road) and businesses.
“Everything is as fresh and local as we can get,” he said. “People here want to bring up their kids the right way and it’s really important to keep the same standards. We don’t want to give them frozen food.”
Image: The Den’s restaurant area.
