Lorraine and John Bates’s popular Bon Appetit mobile catering business has experienced an unnerving rollercoaster ride of events in recent months, including the theft of their van from its Oldings Corner pitch. However, their business has taken another unforeseen knock with regards to the furore that saw unscrupulous suppliers illegally substitute horsemeat for burgers, in place of beef. As a consequence, some major supermarkets were unwittingly selling horsemeat burgers, and this launched a thousand jokes on the internet. Tesco’s became sensitive about the scandal and, after the Hatfield store had been so accommodating to Lorraine and John, an area manager decided that a burger van near their premises was not the image they wanted to portray. And on March 25th they were given just three days to quit their site after operating within the retail park for five trouble-free years.

Since then, the hardworking couple are enjoying a break further to working seven day weeks since starting at the site. John said, “Mark Fountain, the store manager at Hatfield, has bent over backwards to help us find another pitch. We are very grateful to him, but understand the situation. Hopefully we can return in the future “ Lorraine also pointed out that their Bon Appetit van has the maximum 5 Star food & hygiene rating from the Environmental Health Agency. “Our meat suppliers are also fully compliant with Food Safety Agency (FSA) requirements” she stated, “And all our meat has full traceability with no evidence of any equine DNA. The food we supply could not come better recommended!”

The couple will shortly be looking for a new pitch, which could prove difficult as the Borough Council only issue six Street Trader Licences – which are all currently taken.

But John is hopeful that a local business will see the benefit of having a permanent, quality food supplier on their premises. The couple can be contacted by email via the Hatfield Review.