NATIONAL AWARD FOR SHEPHERD NEAME’S VEGAN HOTDOG

The Diggity Dog, Shepherd Neame’s recently launched vegan hotdog, has been named Best New Menu Item in the national Menu Innovation and Development Awards (MIDAS).

Created from soya bean and pea protein, the plant-based sausage is made by award-winning British firm Moving Mountains. It is the first hotdog of its kind to mimic a real Bratwurst in terms of texture and bite, and is served with sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, crispy onions, tandoori ketchup and mustard. 

The MIDAS Awards are organised to recognise and reward the best menu development managers and group executive chefs from chain-operated businesses across the UK. A team of mystery diners and judges were tasked with deciding the winners in 21 categories.

Shepherd Neame’s Head Development Chef Simon Howlett (pictured, right) received the award for Best New Menu Item on behalf of his food team in a ceremony at The Amba Hotel in London’s Marble Arch on Thursday (March 10). He will now join the other category winners for a five day research and insight tour of Miami in May.

Shepherd Neame Head Development Chef Simon Howlett said: “We are delighted to receive national recognition for our Diggity Dog. Since its launch, it has proved incredibly popular with vegetarians, vegans and flexitarians, giving everyone a delicious new dish to try. As demand for vegan cuisine continues to rise, all our menus now have vegan options including our award-winning vegan Oumph! Burger, and we have also added more vegetarian, gluten -free and under-600 calorie options. We are constantly striving to improve our offer, looking out for new partnership opportunities and keeping abreast of the latest food trends, and encouraging our chefs to experiment with new ideas and ingredients.”