A round-up of stories and snippets from brewing and hospitality, and the latest business news in brief
Uley Brewery’s Pig’s Ear, a 5% ABV strong, golden beer, has made it to London, specifically The Cow, in Notting Hill. First brewed in the early 90s, it’s a pale ale with malt at its heart, offering soft biscuit notes, gentle English hops, and a mellow finish. “A proper Uley pint, now finding good company in the capital!” says the brewer.
• Attic Brew Co have won branding of the year at the Brewers Choice Awards. “After unveiling our new look earlier this year with Birmingham-based creative agency WAA Chosen, it’s pretty special to see it recognised like this,” said the brewer.
• Star Pubs is providing the online reputation management app, Reputation, free of charge to its leased and tenanted operators, following its success in the company’s Just Add Talent managed operator estate. The app will replace the company’s mystery visitor programme.
The tool provides insight into a pub’s social media presence, benchmarking it against the industry and encouraging better online marketing and customer service. Reports highlight areas of concern, with guidance on what needs to be done to improve performance. In-depth analysis and management of reviews help pubs to enhance their service and subsequent rankings. Reviews from platforms like Google, Facebook and Trip Advisor can be seen in real time and responded to via the app with suggested AI tailored responses for publicans to adapt.
• Young’s has shared a trading update for the 26 weeks to 28th September, ahead of interim results on 12th November. Following a record-breaking performance last year, the momentum has continued into the first half of this year. Total revenue for the 26-week period was up 10.4%, alongside an increase of 6.4% in like-for-like sales, with the last 13 weeks like-for-like sales up 7.9%, delivering growth against a strong prior-year comparator.
The first half benefited significantly from a standout summer of sunshine and sport. Strong trading over the May bank holidays continued. This was particularly evident in pubs with gardens or riverside locations, where like-for-like sales increased by 7.5%. The excellent weather coincided with an exciting summer of sport, including the FIFA World Cup, where extended opening hours boosted sales further.
• Trust Inns has acquired a package of six pubs from Everards. They are: The Anchor Inn, Hathern; The Bricklayers Arms, Thornton; The Dog & Gun, Keyham; The Queens Hotel, East Markham; The Stag, Barkston; and The White Horse, Banbury. “This acquisition is another important step in our continued growth, and we remain actively looking for further opportunities to acquire good quality pubs in the right locations,” said Wayne Billyeald, acquisitions and operations director at Trust Inns.
• Meanwhile, Red Oak Taverns has also acquired two pubs from Everards. They are The Black Boy in Old Headington, Oxfordshire, and the Queens Head in Saddington, Leicestershire.
