The Lincolnshire pub that began providing school meals as an experiment in Jamie Oliver's last TV programme has moved into the education market full-time, Caterer can reveal.

The King's Head in Theddlethorpe, which is run by Phil and Maureen Cross, shut its doors as a pub last Tuesday. Phil said: "We did a financial overview of the whole business and the accountant told us we were losing a fortune as a pub."

The business has four local schools on its books and turns over about £6,000 a month. The pub's four drivers provide 1,000 meals a week at £1.60 a head, but the couple plan to move into larger premises and take on six more schools.

The Crosses cook all the meals themselves. "Jamie told us his recipes were idiot-proof and he was right," said Phil.

They said Oliver was planning a return visit with TV cameras.

By Chris Druce