HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 02/08/13 -- After months of research, sales and product analysis, menu development and product sampling, Haven's new menu was put to the test by a panel of tasters in preparation for the parks opening in March. The tasters were team members from the company's head office and included mums and dads. They gave the menu a good grilling as they were asked to feedback on taste, appearance, portion size and value for money.

From the tasting day, Mick Newton, Haven's Retail Development Manager, said "the tasting day was a real success and has massively helped in pulling together the final menu offers. The feedback is naturally taken very seriously and has steered some of the adjustments to pricing, portion sizes and descriptions to help explain dishes more clearly."

The company recognises the need to offer a choice, giving families the treats they look forward to on a Haven Family Holiday, but also offering a delicious range of healthier options too.

The Children's menu has undergone some scrutiny in the past so with the help of a leading nutritionist, a number of changes have been made - many of which the children won't even notice! As part of Haven's commitment to help provide a range of healthier options, many of these dishes now meet the new government guidelines in salt and fat content, as well as cleverly disguising 1 of their 5 a day!. The popular pick and mix menu allows children to choose their favourite combination including fresh vegetables.

The team of tasters were impressed, with one team member commenting on the new adaptations to the menu, such as the Quorn Lasagne; "my daughter has been asking me for months to try Quorn, now I have and it's delicious, I'm definitely converted."

Family share dishes will still feature on the new menu and include meatballs and spaghetti at GBP 20 for a family of four, offering a filling and healthy meal which is great value for money. This year, Haven has also introduced Red Tractor products into the menu, so the quality can be assured.

As Haven's new menu doesn't just cater for holiday makers, the company also have to take into consideration the 23,000 owners on their parks who regularly eat in the restaurants. They anticipate that the new gastro menu with dishes such as 28 day matured beef Wellington and fresh seafood pastas will be very popular. Haven chefs say the new menu is challenging to cook but that's what chef-ing is all about!

Another addition to the menu is a delicious Apple Crumble which is a family recipe handed down to two brothers who are chefs at Church Farm Holiday Park. Tomas and Lucas made the team this crumble, after which there was a unanimous decision that it had to be on the menu!

Haven look forward to showcasing their updated menu to guests when the season begins in March.

To see the Haven taste testers in action visit the Haven you tube channel.

Notes to editors:

Best sellers in 2012 were the Full Works Burger, Fisherman's Seafood Basket, Steak and Stout Pie, award winning sausages and Mash, fish and chips and the Family Sharing Combo Tower - so these firm favourites will be staying on the menu.

New dishes include a Deli Tapas Board, Slider Burgers, Salmon and Korean BBQ noodles to name a few. For the foodies amongst Haven's guests, look out for their signature dishes, as they will have a whole new range of Gastro style specials to really tempt your taste buds!

Click on www.haven.com or call 0871 230 1900 for info.

Calls to 0871 numbers cost no more than 10p per minute plus network extras.

Holiday homes are also available for sale on Haven parks www.havenholidayhomes.com.