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The trying game

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 06:50:00 GMT

Noli Dinkovski looks at the opportunities presented by the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in Auckland,New Zealand on 9 September.

Britain’s small revolution

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:44:00 GMT

Beer expert Roger Protz paid a visit to Peter Lambert, one of a growing band of licensees running a unique brew-pub.

Join the spice trade

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:23:00 GMT

It may well have entered the 21st century in the doldrums, but for the past three years or so rum has bucked the flat lining trend of spirits, Nigel Huddleston reports.

Wish you were Hare

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:17:00 GMT

Gary Downham, of the Hare at Roxwell, Essex, tells Lesley Foottit about bringing some positive American attitude to his pub business.

Heat on the dancefloor

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:59:00 GMT

Dominique Czopor, licensee at the Boileroom in Guildford, tells Jessica Harvey about how she established her pub as a blistering live-music venue.

Still getting his kicks (from pubs)

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:31:00 GMT

Feargal Sharkey, CEO of UK Music, gives Jessica Harvey his views on the pub industry’s role in the live-music scene.

Cygneture dish

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:36:00 GMT

From working with the Roux brothers to becoming chef/patron of Norfolk’s Ingham Swan, Daniel Smith tells Alison Baker about his successful journey.

A world of difference

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:17:00 GMT

Advertising executive Brad Atherton had never pulled a pint when he spotted the Kings Arms for sale in a popular Cornish tourist spot. He and his wife Molly were ready to hit the ground running, says Sonya Hook.

Trend setting

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:44:00 GMT

Set menus often represent the perfect choice for discount diners but licensees should be aware that there are plenty of potential pitfalls, reports Lesley Foottit.

Marching to an indie tune

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:08:00 GMT

The hipsters are starting to look backwards and mix and match their taste cues to assume an independent air and give off vibes of counter-culture, writes Pete Brown.

A sense of lad-venture

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:34:00 GMT

Blokes are no longer one-dimensional creatures who stick to the old, tried and tested drinks, Phil Mellows reports.

That's men-tertainment

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:26:00 GMT

Quality beers, a quiz machine and some pork scratchings don’t really cut it these days when it comes to luring chaps into the pub, reports Fiona McLelland.

Scrums of comfort

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:17:00 GMT

Licensees need to plan ahead to capitalise on this up-and-coming tantalising timetable of televised sport in pubs. As Noli Dinkovski discovers, there are plenty of ways to increase footfall and boost business.

Steak out

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:03:00 GMT

Edward Halls, licensee and head chef at the Rose & Crown in Great Horkesley, Essex, tells Lesley Foottit about building up a successful pub business with a great reputation for steak.

Time to break free

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:52:00 GMT

Freehouses remain highly desirable purchases in the pub property market and the number being bought and sold is picking up — though funding is still an issue, Phil Mellows reports.

Off the beaten track

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:55:00 GMT

Pasha Honar, lessee at Brighton’s Caxton Arms, talks jazz nights, great food and how to make the most of the pub’s central but tucked-away location with Jessica Harvey.

Soaring to new heights

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Sisi Ryder, co-licensee at the Phoenix Inn, near Hartley Wintney, Hampshire, tells Sheila McWattie why food and events are all-important

Proud to be British

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 11:36:00 GMT

Lesley Foottit explores ways pubs can get involved in British Food Fortnight, running from 17 September to 2 October.

Cooking up a good deal

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:44:00 GMT

Licensees thinking of franchising out their kitchen need to take into account a multitude of factors and potential pitfalls, reports Phil Mellows.

Banking on holiday plans

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:20:00 GMT

Pubs that plan food and drink options and outdoor events well in advance of the August bank holiday will reap the benefits, reports Sonya Hook.

Pork of the town

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:48:00 GMT

Jessica Harvey looks at how pub caterers are capitalising on the trend for British charcuterie.

Leading by example is the way forward

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:44:00 GMT

Thorley Taverns boss Phil Thorley, who runs 25 pubs in Kent, offered his top tips on how to run a business to delegates at the recent MA250 business club in Chipping Norton.

Krombacher: a brand built on purity

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:42:00 GMT

Krombacher is Germany’s best selling beer but is relatively unknown in the UK market. Ewan Turney visited the brewery to find out more about the brand looking to take on the UK market.

When an inspector calls the shots

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 11:22:00 GMT

Ruth Watson, the forthright star of TV shows including The Hotel Inspector, is now firmly focused on the pub trade. Robyn Black met her at the Suffolk pub-restaurant she owns with her husband.

Side kicks: pub condiments

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:08:00 GMT

Lesley Foottit looks at how sauces and oils can help drive a price premium for dishes.

Getting into fighting shape

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:38:00 GMT

Chris Maskery, lessee of the Fighting Cocks, Horton Kirby, Kent, talks to Sonya Hook about investing £300,000 in his pub, building a new kitchen and conservatory, and installing a marquee in the garden.

Tripling trade turnover

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:43:00 GMT

Licensee Jeff Veal talks to Sheila McWattie about being dog friendly, quiz and curry nights and loyalty cards at the Fox & Hounds in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Dish of the day

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:56:00 GMT

The correct glass and tableware for your pub can make all the difference when it comes to giving your customers the best drinking and dining experience. Sonya Hook looks at the options available.

Making a good fest of it

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:00:00 GMT

The mud-free Great British Beer Festival opens its doors on 2 August and we’ve got the complete low-down, Robyn Black reports.

Dress to impress

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:45:00 GMT

Lesley Foottit looks at uniform ideas for setting the style at your pub.

Plate mates

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:43:00 GMT

Jo Bruce headed to the Czech Republic with the MA’s Pub Chef of the Year 2011 to discover what makes Budweiser Budvar a perfect match for pub dishes.

Music-ale wares

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:48:00 GMT

Garry Hewitt, co-owner of the Quakerhouse, Darlington, Co Durham, talks to Tony Halstead about making a successful pub business out of cask ale and rock music, the two loves of his life

Get a grip on gripes

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:14:00 GMT

If your staff can deal with complaints as soon as they arise, then you should be able to send your customers away as happy advocates of your business, Phil Mellows reports.

A topping idea

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:07:00 GMT

Pizzas can provide canny operators with a simple way to create a highly lucrative revenue stream, Phil Mellows reports.

The beer factor

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:33:00 GMT

Martin Hayes tells Phil Mellows how he converted the Cask in south-west London into an inspirational example of modern pub retailing.

A cut above the rest

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:42:00 GMT

He introduced the tailor-made steak to Britain, but it has been a rocky road to success for South African Ted Docherty, as Phil Mellows discovers.

Creating happy customers

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 09:32:00 GMT

Hayley Bayes, licensee at the Ram in Firle, East Sussex, tells Sheila McWattie about kids, dogs, horses, muddy boots, excellent beer, great wine and truly local foods

Pub food: business boosters

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:52:00 GMT

Ideas for driving food and drink sales including a meet the butcher event and seasonal business lunches.

10 ideas for...female pub attractions

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:03:00 GMT

Sheila McWattie looks at ideas to give women what they want from your menu — from ladies nights to ale education.

The Garrison: make the host of it

Fri, 27 May 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Clive Watson and Adam White, co-owners of the Garrison, a friendly, Michelin-tipped gastropub.

Al's coaching tips: knowledge is power

Tue, 24 May 2011 11:17:00 GMT

This month Alastair Scott looks at how staff expertise is vital to help your pub prosper in terms of food service.

Legal: Immigration Issues

Fri, 20 May 2011 01:58:00 GMT

Summer will soon be upon us and with it we hope some more sunshine, which will hopefully encourage customers out of their homes and into your restaurants, pubs and clubs.

RPI leases: get your maths right

Fri, 20 May 2011 01:19:00 GMT

The pubcos have increasingly introduced RPI leases, but tenants need to take an appropriate view on the initial rent, argues Daniel Mackernan.

Perc up your profits

Thu, 19 May 2011 12:33:00 GMT

PubChef looks at how a tea and cake offer can help drive afternoon sales at your business and what’s new.

Clawing back your losses

Wed, 18 May 2011 12:06:00 GMT

Some licensees may not be aware of is the controversy surrounding the whole question of civil recovery, says Peter Coulson.

Family pubs: learning from the big boys

Tue, 17 May 2011 01:22:00 GMT

Michelle Perrett looks at what experienced operators can teach pubs about boosting family trade.

Business boosters: Month of love, Beer Academy & Tea-time club

Mon, 16 May 2011 12:30:00 GMT

PubChef takes an in-depth look at an array of good ideas out there to help you boost your food business.

Britvic: working on a warmer welcome

Thu, 12 May 2011 09:43:00 GMT

Britvic’s Paul Linthwaite believes pubs can do more to improve their hospitality and that soft drinks are key to making customers feel they belong.

Top tips on how to recruit for pub staff

Mon, 09 May 2011 04:55:00 GMT

A few changes to recruitment and retention methods can mean significant reductions, argues Dawn Redman.

Business boosters: fashion shows and cheese and wine

Fri, 06 May 2011 09:53:00 GMT

PubChef takes a look at some top ideas for driving food sales at your pub — featuring wine and cheese nights and a fashion show.

All the fun of the wine fair

Thu, 05 May 2011 12:27:00 GMT

This year’s London International Wine Fair — 17-19 May — promises so much more than just some wines to try, reports Robyn Black.

Pub food: business boosters

Wed, 04 May 2011 11:45:00 GMT

Ideas for driving food and drink sales at your pub including a corner shop. a time-specific promotion and psychic readings.

Bunch of Grapes: beer champ brews success

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:59:00 GMT

Nick Otley, owner of Otley Brewery and a small chain of pubs, talks take-away beer, solar panels and beer in food with Sheila McWattie.

Potential of pub and bar snacks

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:31:00 GMT

There’s £400m of potential snack sales being lost every year through pubs, but Lesley Foottit has some ideas to help boost sales.

What a 5% VAT rate would mean for me

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:14:00 GMT

Four multiple operators tell Ewan Turney that a cut would help create jobs, improve quality, and transfer volume from the supermarkets.

Innovate: Notts pub offers 1981 prices for Royal Wedding

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 08:49:00 GMT

Roy Wood, of the Cross Keys, Upton, Nottinghamshire, has decided to offer drinks at 1981 prices for the royal wedding.

Ginger cheer: growth in pubs

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Ginger is the ubiquitous flavour of the moment at venues throughout the UK. Robyn Black examines the reasons for its growth.

Pub food: business boosters

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 12:27:00 GMT

Ideas for driving food sales at your pub including a ladies' lunch, stitch and bitch evenings and a senior citizen lunch club.

Adapting to changing drinks market

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:39:00 GMT

What strategies are operators adopting to survive pre-loading, the recession and the shift to more Saturday night trade? Tony Halstead reports.

Here comes summer: opportunity for pubs

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 11:51:00 GMT

Summer is a big opportunity for licensees to cash in by offering a range of drinks and food to suit the great outdoors, reports Sonya Hook.

Success at the Saddle Inn

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:11:00 GMT

Graham Rowson tells Sonya Hook how focusing on community events, families and summer activities drives trade at his countryside pub.

A grape opportunity: wine in pubs

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:31:00 GMT

Pubs lose out on 60% of potential wine sales, so we’ve joined forces with WaverleyTBS wine experts to help you grab some of those lost sales.

Big ideas for pub trading

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 11:57:00 GMT

Tony Halstead asks a range of licensees to name their best ideas and describe impact on trade.

Pub food: business boosters

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:34:00 GMT

Ideas for driving food and drink sales at your pub including £5 meals, beer-tasting plates and a two-for-one dining promotion.

Providing pub employee references and recruiting

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:44:00 GMT

Kimbells Solicitors clear up the confusion over providing employee references and recruiting now that the job market is picking up again.

Protection money for pubs

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 09:54:00 GMT

Adequate insurance is absolutely vital for pubs. Michelle Perrett finds out how to obtain the best cover at a good price and avoid the pitfalls.

Small wonder at the Butcher's Arms

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 11:47:00 GMT

Martyn Hillier did more than open a pub when the Butcher’s Arms launched in 2005 — he started the micro-pub movement, reports Phil Mellows.

Something for everyone at the Farm Tavern

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:36:00 GMT

Chef Zoë Rodgers tells Sheila McWattie about making sure vegetarian and vegan food share star billing at Sussex’s Farm Tavern.

Build up the buzz: energy drinks in pubs

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:42:00 GMT

There is still plenty of scope left for growth in the energy-drink sector, particularly in the on-trade, reports Robyn Black.

Inside out: outdoor furniture for pubs

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:41:00 GMT

Sonya Hook reports on ways to maximise pub gardens' potential as we head into spring and summer.

Taking the Bull pub by the horns

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:33:00 GMT

Licensee Karen Hunter tells Tony Halstead how she turns over £280,000 a year at the remote Black Bull, in Etal, Northumberland.

Patriotic time: Easter and St George's Day in pubs

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:00 GMT

With Easter, St George’s Day and the royal wedding coming up Tony Halstead and Michelle Perrett look at how to make the most of events.

Mother of all opportunities for pubs

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:09:00 GMT

Licensees should see Mother's Day not just as a day to bank big money but as a long-term business-builder, reports Robyn Black.

New pub drink: RTD and cocktails

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:44:00 GMT

Sonya Hook discovers the recent wave of RTD launches could represent the beginning of a rather fruity alliance with swish cocktails.

Inn at the Station: full steam ahead

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:11:00 GMT

Licensee Louise Clough tells Tony Halstead how a major makeover and Thwaites’ Beer Hero concept has helped her beat competition at the pub.

Pub burgers and other fast foods

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:09:00 GMT

Sheila McWattie looks at ideas for driving sales of burgers, hot dogs and pizzas in pubs.

Life begins at forty: CAMRA's 40th birthday

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:18:00 GMT

As the Campaign for Real Ale celebrates its 40th birthday, Michelle Perrett charts its evolution from cask promoter to political heavyweight.

Pubs are brewing a party for the royal wedding

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:32:00 GMT

The upcoming royal wedding and bank holidays galore represent a big opportunity for pubs. Phil Mellows sees how party plans are progressing.

Making the best pub fish and chips

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:15:00 GMT

Sheila McWattie looks at ideas for driving sales of pub classic fish & chips including making better batter, top chips and running promotions.

Pub food: business boosters

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:44:00 GMT

Ideas for driving food and drink sales at your pub including a nostalgia night and Sunday roast take-away.

Good ideas for good pub menus

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:54:00 GMT

Lesley Foottit looks at ways to ensure the presentation of your pub’s menu delivers the right impression.

Perc up your profits: hot drinks in pubs

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:14:00 GMT

This month PubChef focuses on ideas for marketing your hot drinks offer and insights from licensees on what is working for them.

Making Spanish wine work in pubs

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:32:00 GMT

Spanish wines offer a wealth of opportunities for canny pub licensees with new varietals and upcoming regions. Robyn Black reports.

Food and beer: the big match in pubs

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:29:00 GMT

Michelle Perrett looks at ways to maximise cask-ale sales around food, using innovative menu combinations and special events.

Thinking culture: the best pub business ideas

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 08:00:00 GMT

AB InBev boss Stuart MacFarlane says pubs should embrace new concepts. Phil Mellows asked six operators how they get their business ideas.

On the button: pub technology

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:43:00 GMT

Modern EPoS set-ups are now so advanced they can provide complete pub management systems, saving time and money, reports Ian Boughton.

Sunday best: pub roasts

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:48:00 GMT

John Porter offers ideas on how to get roast sales booming at your pub including tips on perfecting those roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings.

Murrell Arms: a host of eccentricities

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 01:06:00 GMT

Next month one of the country’s longest-serving pub tenants, Daphne Cutten, retires from the Murrell Arms after 47. Phil Mellows finds out more.

The Stag: community service

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:22:00 GMT

Rick Bowman, co-licensee at the Stag in Ongar, Essex, tells Sheila McWattie how he enlisted the help of local people to transform the pub.

Horse racing: win-win in pubs

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 11:33:00 GMT

Making the most of the racing calendar is a win-win for licensees. Michelle Perrett takes a closer look at the potential of racing in pubs.

Opportunity of confectionery in pubs

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:17:00 GMT

Sheila McWattie looks at how to make the most of confectionery in your pub including beer and chocolate matching and themed bedrooms.

Loyalty cards can work for pubs

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:53:00 GMT

Despite success in other retail sectors, the idea of loyalty cards hasn’t caught on in the pub — yet, reports Phil Mellows.

The Harp in Covent Garden: a national treasure

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:33:00 GMT

The Harp in Covent Garden is named CAMRA National Pub of the Year 2010 today — licensee Bridget Walsh shares her recipe for success.

Hope springs eternal at the Magdalen Arms

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:08:00 GMT

Florence Fowler, licensee at the Magdalen Arms, Iffley, talks to Lesley Foottit about bringing a bit of London to east Oxford.

Make St Patrick’s Day a weekend in pubs

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:46:00 GMT

St Patrick’s Day is a huge event for British pubs, but there’s an opportunity to make an extended weekend of it this year, reports Michelle Perrett.

Jolly Farmer: cultivating a quality offer

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:16:00 GMT

Steve Hardstone tells Robyn Black how the Jolly Farmer, in Bramley, near Guildford, Surrey, maintains its edge over the competition.

Building pubs' social networks

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 12:34:00 GMT

Ewan Turney looks at a range of pub operators to find out how they’re boosting their online presence.

Healthy eating options: serve the facts

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:42:00 GMT

Michelle Perrett reports on a debate hosted by Unilever Food Solutions about nutritional labelling on menus.

Staying power: pub accommodation profits

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 11:55:00 GMT

As Tony Halstead finds, the turnover derived from staying, and paying, guests at pubs with accommodation can often overtake wet sales.

Pub accommodation: room to grow

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 GMT

Adding letting rooms to a pub can prove costly and create a fair bit of extra work, but, as Sonya Hook found out, the rewards can be considerable.