What the Chefs’ Think

CHEF: Paul Bates InterContinental Hotel, Mayfair, London

Paul Bates is the executive chef at the InterContinental Hotel in London’s Mayfair. He was first introduced to Casterbridge Beef at his previous hotel where he was also executive chef for six years. Paul has remained a real fan of Casterbridge grainfed beef. “While I’m keen to serve as much English produce as possible, I would never sacrifice quality.With Casterbridge grain-fed beef I know I’m serving English Quality Standard beef where I can be totally confident about the quality and absolutely certain about consistency. Casterbridge has a lovely flavour: it has good marbling, the fat is a beautiful colour, it has a delicious aged flavour, it’s tender and moist to the taste.”

CHEF: Andrew Mackenzie Lainston House Hotel,Winchester

One of the earliest users of Casterbridge grain-fed beef is chef Andrew Mackenzie at Lainston House Hotel nearWinchester. Andrew counts among his more famous guests former US President George Bush senior, who when he tasted Casterbridge beef confirmed it was on a par with anything he had ever tasted – “not a bad endorsement coming from a Texan,” said Andrew. “We live off the feedback from our guests and we’ve had nothing but praise when we’ve served Casterbridge. We often have menu tastings ahead of functions such as weddings where we’re asked, as you might expect, for chicken and lamb dishes. I’ve started putting a Casterbridge beef dish into the tasting and without fail that’s what guests choose. The product is absolutely fantastic and has been great for us.”

CHEF: Jason Atherton Pollen Street Social, London

Restaurants Maze and Maze Grill situated in London’s Mayfair have become well known for dishes created by chef patron Jason Atherton. His enthusiasm for food is evident through his imaginative menus which are complemented by Casterbridge beef - the perfect way to bring quality and flavour to the table. “Casterbridge grain-fed beef appeals to me on so many levels. It not only has a wonderful flavour but the quality, which is underpinned by the Quality Standard Mark, gives me the confidence that my customers will really enjoy it. By using Casterbridge beef over the past two years in Maze and particularly Maze Grill, it has allowed me to develop an uncompromising steak menu and by simply grilling the meat when cooking, the succulent flavours of the Casterbridge grain-fed beef really come to life.”

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