Restaurants and cafes in Littleport are proving that “a little goes a long way” by making a few small changes to their menus.
 
The businesses, which all signed up to the Healthier Options Project in 2015, pledged to transform the way food was prepared and delivered, to increase customer choice and emphasise the benefits of healthy eating to patrons.
 
And their efforts have been so successful that the scheme is now set to be rolled out in Ely.
 
Councillor Joshua Schumann, chair of the East Cambridgeshire Health and Wellbeing Partnership, said: “A number of restaurants in Littleport have embraced this project in the last year and made some little – but extremely effective – changes.
 
“These have included things like reducing the amount of salt, sugar or fat used in their cooking or promoting healthier drinks.
 
“The feedback from all of the premises has been extremely positive and many customers are choosing the healthier options and seasonal dishes over their usual fayre.”
 
Among restaurants who took part are The Copper Cup, Main Street, whose low fat chilli is very popular along with its homemade soup.
 
Also making changes were the YPL Granby Business centre and The Swan on the River, Sandhill, which uses seasonal produce and has removed salt from the tables, only providing it when requested.
 
Councillor Schumann said: “We all look to improve our eating habits in January – a result of Christmas over-indulgence and New Year’s resolutions.
 
“This should mean that the project will receive the same level of positive reaction in Ely as it has in Littleport.”
 
The first premises to sign up to the Healthier Options Project in Ely is The Fish House, which is also the first fish and chip restaurant to join the programme.
They offer a light bite fish and chip meal for little appetites and have reduced the salt content in their homemade mushy peas and batter.
 
All premises who have signed up to the Healthier Options Project will display a certificate on their premises.
 
For more information visit the Healthier Options website.