What's new on the Autumn/Winter menu?

Anna and Magda get specific on a warming new menu for the colder months of the year. There are lots of exciting new developments... but has the Chef chopped out all the old favourites? 

Winter salad - starter and dessert

Are you changing everything on the menu?

Anna: "No, our customers would not allow it. People expect certain Mud Dock favourites. Let me give you an example. Last year, when we reviewed the menus, we took off the Halloumi sandwich — swapped it for something different. Wow! We didn't realise the reaction we'd get. Many, many people asked for the Halloumi to be back on the menu!

"So we listened. Customer feedback like that is invaluable, especially as we introduce other new dishes. We ask: "Does this main dish meet with customers' approval? What do people think of this or that combination?" 

"People come especially for certain dishes. For instance we are very well known for Tapas and Mezze. There's no way we can withdraw those; people do come from far and wide to enjoy these Mediterranean specialties." 

Magda: "You have to careful, because there is a surprising amount of loyalty to certain dishes, snacks and sandwiches. Salmon and scrambled eggs... if we took that off the brunch menu there would be a riot!  

"We haven't made many chances to the brunch menu when we know it is a big favourite. 

"Also, lots of people want and expect to see steak on the menu, so we update it a seasonal twist, a new flavour. 

"You also have to consider all the customers. There must be a good range of veggie options. More and more people are interested in the vegetarian food, it's really noticeable how that has changed over the last couple of years.  

"At the moment we are offering a veggie risotto and an interesting polenta dish, with mushroom, gorgonzola and almond. That is an amazing dish. Actually that one is gluten free too, and of course we put the dietary requirement information on the menu. 

Anna: "When we move between the seasons the ingredients change. But we tend to work with the same suppliers, many of whom Mud Dock has worked with for 15 years. We know them well and trust them to bring us just the best, the freshest produce. For example, we think our butcher is the best in the world. Chris the butcher, always the same guy delivering, the same top quality meat. His shop is up in Clifton village."

Next time round we learn more about the A la carte options. Nom!