Said Mr Broadhurst: “People talk about the “humble roast” but in fact the traditional English dinner is a magnificent, healthy meal and there is an art to ensuring that a carvery counter is as good for the last customer who comes along as it is for the first meal of the day.

“We have a lot of regular customers and I am making changes carefully and looking for comments and feedback from them as we improve.

“The restaurant has always sourced its supplies locally with daily deliveries of fresh vegetables and like all chefs I am keen to find the freshest and best ingredients.”

One thing Alan has changed immediately is the Yorkshire Puddings, switching from bought-in puddings to ones cooked on the premises.

He said: “I believe the Yorkshire Pudding is one of the vital elements of a traditional English carvery and so we have had the cooks here experimenting and we believe we have come up with a pudding that people will be proud to put on their plate.”

Alan Broadhurst has worked for top hotels and for catering agencies and is enjoying the challenge of keeping the Carvery Company fresh and exciting.

The Carvery Company restaurant and bar is independently owned and provides the traditional choice on The Venue complex alongside the Vue Cinema and Hollywood Bowl and is a popular stopping place for weary shoppers from The Mall. The 350-seater restaurant is open throughout the week and is at its busiest on Sundays when many regulars find it best value for a Sunday roast.

The Carvery Company can be contacted on 01179 598272.