Hydes Brewery, a family-owned brewer and pub retailer based in Salford, is preparing for an exceptionally busy Christmas season. With 2024 bookings already at full capacity, the festive period promises to be record-breaking for the company.
Last year, Hydes served over 12,500 Christmas dinners, marking their most successful Christmas on record. The company aims to surpass this achievement in 2024, thanks to early planning and strong demand for their festive offerings.
A Record-Breaking Festive Season
Hydes, a renowned family-owned brewer and pub retailer based in Salford, is on the verge of an exceptional Christmas season. With bookings for 2024 already reaching maximum capacity for Christmas dinners, the company is anticipating record-breaking festivities.
Last year, Hydes witnessed a highly successful Christmas, serving over 12,500 turkey dinners and numerous other festive dishes. This remarkable achievement has set the stage for an even more prosperous 2024 holiday season.
Meticulous Planning and Preparation
Hydes’ meticulous planning process begins as early as January to ensure an exceptional festive experience. As David Oldham, Hydes’ catering development manager, states, “We start planning our festive menus in January so they can be printed and, in the pubs for the start of July.” This rigorous process allows ample time to coordinate with suppliers and finalise menu details.
This year, the planning phase was even more critical due to a significant change in the supply chain. One of the largest turkey suppliers in the UK decided to switch to chicken production, impacting the overall turkey supply. However, Hydes’ proactive measures ensured that their guests would not miss out on traditional turkey dinners.
The Importance of the Festive Menu
Hydes’ festive menu is a cornerstone of their success. Running from 22 November until the end of the year, the menu includes a variety of seasonal dishes beyond the traditional turkey dinners.
In addition to the iconic turkey, diners can savour dishes such as braised feather blade of beef and a wide array of vegetables. Last year alone, Hydes served 10.6 tonnes of potatoes, 3.5 tonnes of carrots, 3.2 tonnes of swede, and 1.6 tonnes of sprouts during the festive period.
Ensuring Quality and Consistency
Quality and consistency are paramount within Hydes’ kitchens. David Oldham works closely with the chefs to ensure all preparations are up to the company’s high standards. His 27 years of experience in the hospitality sector, including more than a decade at Hydes, places him in a pivotal position to maintain these standards.
To guarantee smooth operations, Oldham liaises with trusted suppliers to secure the necessary stock. This year, festive menu bookings were up 15% by July, emphasising the growing popularity of Hydes’ Christmas offerings.
A Tradition of Excellence
Formed in 1863, Hydes’ Brewery has a long-standing tradition of excellence in brewing and pub retailing. With an estate of nearly 50 pubs across the North West of England and North Wales, Hydes has established itself as a leading name in the industry.
Adam Mayers, Managing Director of Hydes, highlights the importance of delivering an exceptional dining experience during the festive period. “Christmas dinner is one of the most important meals of the year,” he says, “and we always go above and beyond to guarantee guests get the best Christmas meal we can deliver.”
Every October, Hydes hosts a festive workshop with all managers to sample the Christmas meals and review the additions to the festive drinks menu. This ensures comprehensive training and excellent communication across the business.
Community and Tradition
For many families, celebrating Christmas at a Hydes pub has become a beloved tradition.
The warm ambiance, complete with real fires and flowing drinks, offers a unique and memorable festive experience. As Mayers asserts, “We are looking forward to welcoming lots of families who enjoy getting together to eat in one of our pubs.”
As Hydes Brewery gears up for what promises to be their busiest festive season yet, the company’s meticulous planning and commitment to quality stand out.
With a proud tradition of excellence and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction, Hydes is set to make this Christmas truly unforgettable for countless families.