The art and science of the pub menu: How ALH’s National Group Executive Chef created a winter menu for food lovers

The winter menu for Australia’s leading pub group ALH Hotels has been rolled out to more than 350 venues across the country with a focus on elevated pub classics using fresh produce from local suppliers. 

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In developing the national pub menu, ALH has prioritised culinary choices that are all about celebrating local produce, delivering consistency and flavour throughout the winter months. 

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National Executive Chef David Finlayson said the carefully-curated list of pub classics also demonstrates a more streamlined approach to quality food options, with a reduction in the quantity of items on offer. 

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“Our guests are at the heart of everything we do and we know that more people are coming to us as their number one destination for social occasions,” he said. 

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“Our food and beverage offerings are always front of mind for us. Our focus is not only to be innovative and deliver high-quality produce but also unlock great value for guests. 

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“Simplifying our menus gives us the chance to focus on the favourites, while ordering only what we need and reducing waste.” 

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David said he was also able to rely on guest data to help further the recipe for menu success. 

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“We use our data analytics to help build an accurate depiction of what our guests really want,” he said. 

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“We have found that 70 percent of sales are from the same 10 menu items including schnitzels, burgers and salads. 

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“Similarly, through our market research, we have found that 75 percent of our guests already know what they are having before they place their order. 

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“We also know that guests are looking for innovation when it comes to pub favourites such as chicken schnitzel, parmigianas, calamari, burger options as well as rotating grill offers. 

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“All of this information is key to helping us deliver food choices that our guests know and love.” 

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The winter menu features a variety of well-known dishes including beef cheeks, lamb shanks, beef ribs and pork ribs, and meat cuts such as locally-sourced wagyu rumps, sirloins, T-bones and steak. 

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For those looking for a lighter option, an array of warm, winter salads are also heavily featured. 

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“Winter salads are ones that can add a bit of comfort; like a falafel salad with shredded cabbage and a real warmth of sambal, or even a beautiful lamb rump salad,” he said. 

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“One of the biggest menu misconceptions is that winter is all about heavy food braised for hours. We want to break that mould. 

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“We have also put an emphasis on the grill and not just steaks; think half-grilled succulent chicken, chargrilled lamb rump and even local prawns. 

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“Our focus on local suppliers also means that guests get to experience high quality fresh food items that are well known. 

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“We know Queenslanders love a great rump of a T-bone and local beef supplier Nolan’s produces some really amazing T-bones that our guests cannot get enough of. 

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“In South Australia, beef schnitzel is the meat du-jour so we ensure all of our schnitzel is sourced from our local butchers in the state. 

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“In Western Australia, the seasonality of produce is phenomenal thanks to its amazing weather. It’s also truffle season at the moment, with the local Manjimup favourite gripping appetites across the state. We also use the best lobsters WA has to offer - all sourced locally. 

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“In Victoria, they love their chicken parmigiana and fish and chips. We use beautiful flathead locally sourced from our state fresh seafood supplier. 

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“In New South Wales, it's the famous steak sandwich that keeps on keeping on. It’s something that is not only great for winter, but also a favourite all year round. 

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“And of course in the Northern Territory, who can go past a beautiful piece of Humpty Doo Barramundi? This iconic dish is something that resonates with nearly every Territorian!” 

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About ALH Hotels 

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ALH offers a diverse hospitality experience including sports bars, bistros, restaurants, cafes, accommodation, nightclubs, live sports, racing and electronic gaming. Our hotels are located in capital cities and urban and regional centres across Australia. ALH employs over 15,000 people across Australia at more than 350 licensed