The cheese board
The way we think
We don’t really believe in mission statements. In all honesty, we think they’re a bit self-important and pretty, well…..boring.
However, we do have a clear mission – to offer our clients the best and most imaginative food around, backed by outstanding levels of service. And we do have a distinct set of values that have helped us grow successfully over the past few years.
Personality
‘The shortest distance between two people is a smile’.
Someone said that way back when. But it was as true then as it is now.
That’s why we’ve got an ‘up for it’, happy and motivated team. We deliberately seek out outstanding people with spirited personalities and an indefatigably ‘can do’ attitude. It works for everyone. Our staff retention record is exceptional.
Delicious
We’re a food catering company. Why would we even dream of offering food that isn’t mouthwateringly delicious? Wherever possible we stick to a policy of sustainability. We try and use local British food, varying our recipes and ingredients according to the seasons, availability and natural circumstances.
For instance, cod stocks are desperately low because of over-fishing. So we select alternative first class fish from the cod family, such as hake, coley, ling or whiting, which are reasonably more plentiful. These fish are full of flavour – and after being dipped in home-made beer batter before frying they bring an added succulence to our scrumptious fish and chips.
Our puddings are equally enticing. Who, as the flowers bloom and spring eases into summer, could resist the delicate taste of a sumptuous locally produced rhubarb trifle?
Straightforward
Our clients are usually very busy people. They don’t want us to complicate their working lives by giving them reams of paper to read through or having to deal with people who can’t make decisions.
So we don’t.
Our approach is simple, honest and direct.
Knowledge & Experience
We firmly believe we are the best in our field.
We understand food.
We understand service.
And perhaps most importantly, we listen to our customers’ requirements, add a few creative touches of our own and translate them into action.
Innovation
Some hesitate. Others innovate.
You’ll find more details of our imaginative and creative food solutions in the ‘Let’s Talk Food’ section. But for starters:-
- we always use the highest quality free range eggs
- where we can, we only use organic milk
- we try and use only independent local suppliers
- we use natural British seasonal food where possible.
We’re also constantly striving to reduce our reliance on disposables. All napkins are recycled. We encourage our clients to reduce waste as well. For instance, we prompt customers to supply their own drinking mugs. And we try to ensure that most food waste is easily broken down naturally into compost, and not simply thrown away.
We’d like to say we cycle everywhere too. But, alas, we don’t.
Enjoy
Life isn’t a rehearsal! We only get one crack at it. Which is why we create superb food experiences and environments where both our customers and our people can enjoy every second. Otherwise, what’s the point?
H&J Values
Patrick talks about our values.
If you’re interested in knowing what makes us tick, click as appropriate below.
And last, but certainly not least……
Food facts...
Ask anyone what’s so special about Portugal and they might say the Algarve. Or Cristiano Ronaldo. Or maybe Jose Mourinho. They might well be right. But they could also be wrong. For, strange as it may seem, the biggest star in Portugal is arguably…….the potato.
The Portuguese, contrary to mythology about Ireland’s claims, eat more spuds than anyone else in Europe. But they don’t just boil them, fry them, chip them, roast them or mash them. They spice them up deliciously with all kinds of herbs and flavours. Which is probably what they also used to do in Peru, where potatoes originated before being brought to Europe in the 16th century.
Another thing about the potato. It’s related to the tomato. Also to tobacco. Have you noticed a common theme here……Ronaldo, Mourinho….