An increasing number of pubs are joining the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) and putting their sustainability credentials to the test in response to consumer demand for their dining destinations to serve meals that match their values. Now, Geronimo Inns has demonstrated it is in the forefront of this trend, becoming the first pub group to receive the highest possible SRA rating, Three Stars.
The Three Star rating places Geronimo pubs alongside the likes of Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s River Cottage, and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, as among the most sustainable restaurants in the UK.
The group, which operates 35 sites across London and the South-East, scored highly across the Rating, serving its 5 million customers a year with locally sourced food, demonstrating an exceptional level of environmental responsibility, and showing a genuine commitment to working closely with the community.
Geronimo Inns scored an impressive 97% for the areas of assessment:
Sourcing: Geronimo’s performance in this area was described by the SRA as “exceptional” citing the groups sourcing of LEAF certified vegetables and its emphasis on using seasonal UK produce including British seafood, poultry, pork and (grass and pasture fed) beef & lamb. Geronimo’s introduction of Grumpy Mule Coffee, who are fair trade and rainforest alliance certified also impressed.
Environment – The group’s score in this category was described as “outstanding” principally down to implementing energy saving initiatives (including purchasing LED light bulbs), an emphasis on maximising recycling opportunities, managing waste efficiently (including the separation of food waste for offsite recycling), and widespread use of recycled or reclaimed furniture.
Society: The group’s concerted effort to support local, national and international charities – evidenced by its support of local City Farms, teaching local school children about food and running Meet the Neighbour events in the pubs, so they can act as community hubs – was admired by the assessors. The SRA assessors were also impressed by Geronimo’s efforts to give school leavers an opportunity by running apprenticeship schemes and offering comprehensive staff training and development.
Ed Turner, MD of Geronimo Inns said: “We are really very proud of the three star rating – this sums up Geronimo’s passion for life perfectly. The whole team has been working on our sustainability for a number of years, and it is wonderful to see their hard work pay off. All of us at Geronimo want to serve the best food and the finest drinks in a relaxed environment in a way that we can sustain great pubs for a very long time.”