James Martin’s Manchester restaurant has become the first in the North West to train staff in meat knowledge and quality.
More than 15 members of front-of-house staff and chefs undertook courses in AHDB Beef & Lamb’s Meat Education Programme to improve their understanding of beef and lamb breeds, cuts and supply chain development.
The comprehensive, free programme was developed by AHDB Beef & Lamb to address the lack of accessible training for meat industry professionals.
'Good quality products'
James Martin, owner of James Martin Manchester, said: "British beef and lamb are good quality products to have on menus and my staff and I want to share the great story behind homegrown beef and lamb with our customers.
"Through AHDB Beef & Lamb’s Meat Education Programme, my team can confidently share messages on provenance and quality, two factors key to helping customers enjoy their dining experiences and get the most out of their meat choices."
'Improving and specialising meat knowledge'
Dick Van Leeuwen, business development manager for AHDB Beef & Lamb and project leader of the Meat Education Programme, said: "It’s fantastic to see the staff of James Martin’s Manchester restaurant dedicated to improving and specialising their meat knowledge.
"One of the key qualities restaurant staff must possess to consistently deliver a great customer experience is knowledge of the product to inspire diners and ensure repeat purchases.
"The knowledge the staff gain through the Meat Education Programme can help them deliver this experience."
'From farm to fork'
Elwyn Pugh, meat supplier to James Martin’s Manchester restaurant, said: "Everyone in the supply chain – from farm to fork – needs to ensure they have good product knowledge to help sell more red meat to make sure the industry remains profitable and the Meat Education Programme can help them do exactly that.
"Through AHDB Beef & Lamb’s Meat Education Programme, James Martin’s restaurant staff are taking an opportunity to learn about various aspects of the meat industry.
"This not only allows them to deliver excellence in terms of service and quality for their customers, but provides them with a transferable skill with a formal qualification.
"I hope that through the training we have delivered here at James Martin Manchester, the staff realise they have a great product, ethically produced and reared to high standards.
"We at ABP are always keen to show our customers just how high the quality of homegrown beef is as a part of our exceptional customer service package – whether that be supporting in the development of meat knowledge or hosting a gate-to-plate day to see the supply chain in action."
The Meat Education Programme is designed to help provide invaluable knowledge to people working in the meat industry – from butchers to chefs and anybody in between.
