"We believe that great food and a fantastic dining experience should be something that everyone can enjoy."
Haydn Driver, Head Chef
One of Bury’s favourite pub and restaurants is celebrating after becoming the first pub In the UK to achieve a coveted accreditation from the Allergen Accreditation Scheme.
The Victoria at Walshaw was awarded the prestigious accolade after launching a calorie & allergen listed menu, designed to make eating out more accessible for people with specific dietary requirements.
There are over two million people in the UK who have been diagnosed with a food allergy, and many more who have undiagnosed food allergies or severe food intolerances. The Allergen Accreditation Scheme is an in-depth framework, designed by caterers for caterers, to provide detailed information on suppliers, products, recipes, allergen matrix data, training and service methods. Accredited eateries must adhere to strict criteria in the form of a tough application form followed by an on-premise audit.
The management team at the Victoria Walshaw are passionate about ensuring that that their chefs and teams are fully trained in looking after the customers who have declared a food allergy.
Head Chef Haydn Driver explains more
“Food allergies can be extremely serious and have a huge impact on those affected. It’s a sad fact that 60% of allergy sufferers choose not to eat out because they simply don’t have the trust that their allergy will be taken seriously.
“We believe that great food and a fantastic dining experience should be something that everyone can enjoy, so we’re delighted to achieve this accreditation that provides customers with confidence and reassurance to eat at the Victoria Walshaw restaurant.
The Victoria is a multi-award winning Bar, Restaurant and Guest House situated in the village of Walshaw, just outside Bury. It was fully refurbished and relaunched in 2017, with a vision to create a warm, friendly environment on the edge of the countryside, offering excellent quality food, drink and customer service.
The heart of the local community, “The Vic” is committed to serving the local area through charity fundraising, community groups and the support of local good causes, including it’s “give back a day” scheme.
Head Chef Haydn Driver continued:
“We’re delighted to be the first Pub in the UK to achieve this standard. Customers with allergies are choosing to eat at The Victoria knowing we are committed to making sure that we can cater any customers with food allergies.
“We’re looking after a four-year-old boy with an airborne nut allergy this weekend. It’s his birthday and his parents have always been worried taking him out to eat. They told us they feel confident that we can provide for him since learning that we are part of The Allergen Accreditation Scheme.”
