Mary is renowned for her direct approach when she canvasses public opinion and the team from The Olive Tree Restaurant at The Holiday Inn decided to take her advice.

Emma Jacobson, from the restaurant, said: “We wanted to hear what passers-by thought of our new Sunday lunch menu and so we created mini canapés to give people the chance to sample a taste of the food in one simple mouthful.

“That way, even people who were busy and rushing to their next appointment could get a flavour or our menu and give us their honest opinion on the food.”

Staff from the restaurant created mini roast beef Yorkshire puddings with onion marmalade, horseradish and rocket, or a vegetarian option of goat’s cheese tart and onion marmalade.

They then offered them to anyone passing through the hotel and leisure club and asked for feedback in return for Sunday lunch vouchers.

And Emma said the public reaction to the samples had been extremely positive, with many tasters promising they’d try out the full menu at a future date.

“We were delighted with the response to our initiative – it was an unusual step for us, but it was important to hear from customers what they thought about the new menu,” said Emma.

“It’s certainly something we would do again as I think everyone enjoyed the opportunity to speak to customers on a one-to-one basis and hear their thoughts on the tasty food our chefs have created.”