The smoking ban has had a devastating impact on community pubs throughout Britain, according to campaigners who claim Scotland has lost 7.1% of its pub estate (467 pubs), Wales 7.3% (274), and England 7.6% (4,148).
That's according to the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, which has been set up by MPs from the three main political parties in an effort to change the smoking ban.
Greg Knight, Conservative MP for East Yorkshire, Roger Godsiff, Labour MP for Birmingham Hall Green, and John Hemming, Liberal Democrat MP for Birmingham Yardley, will host a reception for the Save Our Pubs &
Clubs campaign at the House of Commons on June 29.
The event, which marks the fourth anniversary of the smoking ban in England, will kick start the organisers' plans to lobby MPs for a review of the ban and an amendment to the legislation.
Knight said: "This is a unique opportunity for people to show how strongly they feel on this important issue. A modest change in the law, not a repeal of the smoking ban, is all we seek."
Simon Clark, director of the Save Our Pubs & Clubs campaign, added: "Looking at the dramatic increase in pub closures since the introduction of smoking bans in Scotland, Wales and England, it is clear that the ban has been a big factor in the closure of many pubs and clubs throughout Britain.
"The government must review the ban and consider a change in the law that would allow separate smoking rooms in pubs and clubs."
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Leasehold Pub for Sale, Denton, Manchester
Denton Pub for Sale, Manchester
Broomhouse
Hyde Road
Denton
Manchester
M34
£ 225,000 + VAT Leasehold
Broomhouse Pub for Sale,Manchester
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Fuller, Smith & Turner Unveils 118-year Old Beer
London’s brewer Fuller’s has once again delved into its rich history of brewing in the capital to produce a second beer in the Past Masters range of historic ales.
Past Masters Double Stout has been brewed by Fuller’s master brewers to a recipe found in the brewbook from August 4, 1893 – just a year after the now world-famous Griffin Brewery name was first trademarked and when Fuller, Smith & Turner was a mere 48 years old.
As with the first Past Masters beer, XX Strong Ale, the Double Stout recipe contains a revived malt variety, Plumage Archer, which had disappeared from brewers books for many years. Fuller’s brewers have worked closely with their maltsters, Simpsons, to recreate the ingredients used by their forefathers as closely as possible.
Fuller’s Head Brewer, John Keeling, said of his new, old beer; “Past Masters Double Stout is a rich, dark brown creamy ale, which balances a rich, fruity aroma with smoky, bittersweet chocolate notes.
“It is 7.4% ABV and, like the XX Strong Ale we made last year, will change character over time – quite how much in another 118 years we’re not sure!
Past Masters Double Stout has been brewed by Fuller’s master brewers to a recipe found in the brewbook from August 4, 1893 – just a year after the now world-famous Griffin Brewery name was first trademarked and when Fuller, Smith & Turner was a mere 48 years old.
As with the first Past Masters beer, XX Strong Ale, the Double Stout recipe contains a revived malt variety, Plumage Archer, which had disappeared from brewers books for many years. Fuller’s brewers have worked closely with their maltsters, Simpsons, to recreate the ingredients used by their forefathers as closely as possible.
Fuller’s Head Brewer, John Keeling, said of his new, old beer; “Past Masters Double Stout is a rich, dark brown creamy ale, which balances a rich, fruity aroma with smoky, bittersweet chocolate notes.
“It is 7.4% ABV and, like the XX Strong Ale we made last year, will change character over time – quite how much in another 118 years we’re not sure!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Pubco News; M & B Report Food Sales Overtaking Beer Sales
Pubs and restaurants group Mitchells & Butlers said food sales have overtaken drink for the first time on the back of a strong performance at Harvester and the disposal of 333 pubs which were focused on drink.
But the group warned that soaring food and energy prices will squeeze the business into next year.
M&B, which also owns the All Bar One, Toby Carvery and the Sizzling Pub Co chains, said rising inflation and the uncertainty around household spending in the UK will both pose a challenge
But the group warned that soaring food and energy prices will squeeze the business into next year.
M&B, which also owns the All Bar One, Toby Carvery and the Sizzling Pub Co chains, said rising inflation and the uncertainty around household spending in the UK will both pose a challenge
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Ellesmere Port Leasehold Pub for Sale
Cheshire Pub for Sale, Ellesmere Port
Wing Half
Alnwick Drive
Ellesmere Port
Cheshire
CH65
Gross Site Area: 13935 sq/ft*
£ 100,000 + VAT
Leasehold
Lease length: Short Leasehold 99 years from 1972 at a current rent of £4,750
Wing Half Pub for Sale, Ellesmere Port
Monday, May 23, 2011
April Pub and Restaurant Sales Up, but Analysts Urge Caution
Holiday fever helped to boost spending on eating and drinking out-of-home in April, with like-for-likes sales figures overall up 3.8% for the month. Figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker also showed total sales, which include the impact of new openings, ahead by 6.2% on the same month last year.
However, the headline figures hide a more complex picture of consumer spending. “While the school holidays had a positive effect, Easter 2011 wasn’t as good as Easter 2010 and while the hot weather helped pubs in particular, it also brought out more home barbecues as a counter-attraction,” said Peter Martin of Peach Factory, which produces the Tracker, which monitors sales performance across 21 major pub and restaurant operators, in partnership with KPMG, UBS and the Coffer Group.
“The extra holiday for the Royal Wedding, Easter being later, how school holidays fell and the sunny weather all played a role, but not always as might have been expected,” said Martin.
“The challenge for pubs and restaurants has been to convince people to go out rather than stay at home and watch the Royal Wedding on their own TV, for example, or enjoy the sun around their own or friends’ barbecues. So to grow sales over the month is good news, with the run up to the Easter weekend particularly strong,” he added.
“Hot weather, as we had this year, generally tends to favour pubs, especially those with outside areas, rather than restaurants. Last year, it rained over Easter and many people went shopping especially to malls, and to inside entertainment like the cinema, benefiting restaurants in those locations. Good weather can be a double-edged sword.”
However, the headline figures hide a more complex picture of consumer spending. “While the school holidays had a positive effect, Easter 2011 wasn’t as good as Easter 2010 and while the hot weather helped pubs in particular, it also brought out more home barbecues as a counter-attraction,” said Peter Martin of Peach Factory, which produces the Tracker, which monitors sales performance across 21 major pub and restaurant operators, in partnership with KPMG, UBS and the Coffer Group.
“The extra holiday for the Royal Wedding, Easter being later, how school holidays fell and the sunny weather all played a role, but not always as might have been expected,” said Martin.
“The challenge for pubs and restaurants has been to convince people to go out rather than stay at home and watch the Royal Wedding on their own TV, for example, or enjoy the sun around their own or friends’ barbecues. So to grow sales over the month is good news, with the run up to the Easter weekend particularly strong,” he added.
“Hot weather, as we had this year, generally tends to favour pubs, especially those with outside areas, rather than restaurants. Last year, it rained over Easter and many people went shopping especially to malls, and to inside entertainment like the cinema, benefiting restaurants in those locations. Good weather can be a double-edged sword.”
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Barnsley Pub for Sale, South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire Pub for Sale, Barnsley
Flying Dutchman
Cemetery Road
Jump, Barnsley
South Yorkshire
S74
Gross Site Area: 5764 sq/ft*
£ 130,000 + VAT
Flying Dutchman Pub for Sale Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Wigan Hotel For Sale, Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Pub for Sale, Wigan
Bryn Hall Hotel
Bolton Road
Bamfurlong, Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN2
Gross Site Area: 13289 sq/ft*
£ 325,000 + VAT
Bryn Hall Hotel For Sale, Wigan
Friday, May 20, 2011
Manchester Hotel For Sale
Leasehold Hotel For Sale, Greater Manchester
Eagle Hotel
Greenbrow Road
Manchester
Greater Manchester
M23
Gross Site Area: 15816 sq/ft*
£ 150,000 + VAT
Leasehold
Lease length: Short leasehold expires 2059 @ £120 pa
Eagle Hotel For Sale Manchester
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Liverpool Pub for Sale, Merseyside
Merseyside pub for Sale
Lobster
Moss Way
Liverpool
Merseyside
L11
Gross Site Area: 19455 sq/ft*
£ 200,000 + VAT
Lobster Leasehold Pub for Sale, Liverpool
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Preston Pub for Sale, Ashton-on-Ribble
Freehold Pub for Sale, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston
Fylde Tavern
Fylde Road
Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston
Lancashire
PR2
Ground floor footplate: 2898 sq/ft*
£ 225,000 + VAT
Fylde Tavern Pub for Sale, Preston, Lancashire
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Putney Pub Saved from Closure Wins Nomination for Small Music Venue
As part of a new campaign to "Keep Live Music Alive" NME is on the hunt to find BRITAIN'S BEST SMALL VENUE - the grass-roots pubs and clubs that are the beating heart of this country's music scene.
The Half Moon Putney was notified by the NME yesterday that they had been shortlisted for the competition along with 4 other venues in the London category.
Carrie Davies, of The Half Moon said:
"This time last year we were still celebrating the fact that The Half Moon didn't close and to be shortlisted for such an award only a year later is incredible. We are so lucky to have such loyal supporters, from our regular customers to the great bands that play here"
The Half Moon is determined to continue to book live music 7 nights a week and prides itself on booking an eclectic mix of bands and artists from 60s Soul Legends to the next big thing.
To cast your vote Voting closes on 10 June 2011
The Half Moon Putney was notified by the NME yesterday that they had been shortlisted for the competition along with 4 other venues in the London category.
Carrie Davies, of The Half Moon said:
"This time last year we were still celebrating the fact that The Half Moon didn't close and to be shortlisted for such an award only a year later is incredible. We are so lucky to have such loyal supporters, from our regular customers to the great bands that play here"
The Half Moon is determined to continue to book live music 7 nights a week and prides itself on booking an eclectic mix of bands and artists from 60s Soul Legends to the next big thing.
To cast your vote Voting closes on 10 June 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Rochdale Hotel for Sale, Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Pub for Sale, Rochdale
St Albans Hotel
Manchester Road
Rochdale
Greater Manchester
OL11
Ground floor footplate: 1833 sq/ft*
£ 175,000 + VAT
St Albans Freehold Hotel For Sale, Rochdale
Friday, May 13, 2011
Pubs Raise £110 Million for Charity
Pubs in the UK raise £110m a year for charitable causes, BII (British Institute of Innkeeping) chief executive Neil Robertson revealed at the trade body’s annual lunch, reports the morning advertiser.
The total figure for charitable giving equates to £3,000 per pub. Top charities are: Help for Heroes, air ambulances, cancer charities, lifeboat charities and the Royal British Legion.
The figures have emerged from a survey of pubs by CGA Strategy on behalf of PubAid, which collates figures for donations to charity within the sector.
Robertson said: “Pubs do it not for praise — they do it to show their place at the heart of local communities. Congratulations to all who delivered this.
“Even if the economy stays flat, customers will still spend 9% of their disposable income on eating and drinking out.
The total figure for charitable giving equates to £3,000 per pub. Top charities are: Help for Heroes, air ambulances, cancer charities, lifeboat charities and the Royal British Legion.
The figures have emerged from a survey of pubs by CGA Strategy on behalf of PubAid, which collates figures for donations to charity within the sector.
Robertson said: “Pubs do it not for praise — they do it to show their place at the heart of local communities. Congratulations to all who delivered this.
“Even if the economy stays flat, customers will still spend 9% of their disposable income on eating and drinking out.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Whitchurch Hotel for Sale, Shropshire
Shropshire Pub for Sale
Star Hotel
Watergate Street
Whitchurch
Shropshire
SY13
Ground floor footplate: 1032 sq/ft*
£ 180,000 + VAT Freehold
Star Hotel for Sale, Shropshire
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Community Right to Buy Scheme Shortcomings Exposed
The British Property Federation (BPF) has exposed the shortcomings in the government’s Community Right to Buy Scheme, claiming that it doesn’t provide a complete solution to saving local services such as post offices and pubs.
The scheme seeks to give locals the opportunity to take over the assets that are important to their community. They would then be able to nominate the asset to be listed with the local authority, and could bid for the asset if it was put up for sale.
In reality, however, further details reveal that communities may be able to take over the building but not the service. For example, post offices operate a contractual service, which would not be guaranteed to continue should the community bid for the building.
The BPF’s chief executive, Liz Peace, responded to the government’s proposals by saying “It is misleading of Government to portray the Community Right to Buy scheme as a mechanism for local communities to keep services open.
“If, for example, a local pub faces closure and the community manage to purchase it they would take ownership of the building and not the service. They would have to take on and organise this for themselves.
The BPF also fears for the development and growth of local economies if spurious or unsustainable nominations are made. They suggest that the government should implement a series of safeguards that communities must meet before listing a property with the local authority.
The scheme seeks to give locals the opportunity to take over the assets that are important to their community. They would then be able to nominate the asset to be listed with the local authority, and could bid for the asset if it was put up for sale.
In reality, however, further details reveal that communities may be able to take over the building but not the service. For example, post offices operate a contractual service, which would not be guaranteed to continue should the community bid for the building.
The BPF’s chief executive, Liz Peace, responded to the government’s proposals by saying “It is misleading of Government to portray the Community Right to Buy scheme as a mechanism for local communities to keep services open.
“If, for example, a local pub faces closure and the community manage to purchase it they would take ownership of the building and not the service. They would have to take on and organise this for themselves.
The BPF also fears for the development and growth of local economies if spurious or unsustainable nominations are made. They suggest that the government should implement a series of safeguards that communities must meet before listing a property with the local authority.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Macclesfield Pub for Sale, Cheshire
Cheshire Pub for Sale
Wharf Inn
Brook Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11
Ground floor footplate: 1562 sq/ft*
£ 150,000 + VAT
Leasehold
Lease length: Long Leasehold until 2852 @ £2pa
Wharf Inn Pub for Sale, Macclesfield
Friday, May 06, 2011
Eating Out Costs At All Time High in the UK
The cost of eating out in the UK is now at an all-time high, with the average three-course adult meal costing nearly £19, reports the Mystery Dining Company.
Research from market analyst Horizons shows that meal prices in restaurants, pubs and hotels increased by 7.5 per cent in 2010, pushing up the average price of a dish across all courses to an all-time high of £6.78.
A three-course meal in a pub now costs an average £15.45, up 4.1 per cent, while the price in restaurants has gone up to £20.92, a rise of 2.8 per cent.
Horizons' research also showed that the average price of a three-course adult meal rose to £18.94 in 2010, up from £18.03 in 2009.
Paul Backman, Horizons' services director, said the price hike was driven by rising costs.
"There will also be an element of raising menu prices to pay for the widening use of discounts and money-off vouchers," he explained.
"Operators are trying to maintain their margins by using their buying power to keep cost pressures under control and re-engineering menus to bring average costs down."
A fifth of pub-goers said they would visit the pub last weekends Royal Wedding. A survey of more than 400 consumers by the Mystery Dining Company found that 20 per cent planned to visit to the pub over the weekend.
Research from market analyst Horizons shows that meal prices in restaurants, pubs and hotels increased by 7.5 per cent in 2010, pushing up the average price of a dish across all courses to an all-time high of £6.78.
A three-course meal in a pub now costs an average £15.45, up 4.1 per cent, while the price in restaurants has gone up to £20.92, a rise of 2.8 per cent.
Horizons' research also showed that the average price of a three-course adult meal rose to £18.94 in 2010, up from £18.03 in 2009.
Paul Backman, Horizons' services director, said the price hike was driven by rising costs.
"There will also be an element of raising menu prices to pay for the widening use of discounts and money-off vouchers," he explained.
"Operators are trying to maintain their margins by using their buying power to keep cost pressures under control and re-engineering menus to bring average costs down."
A fifth of pub-goers said they would visit the pub last weekends Royal Wedding. A survey of more than 400 consumers by the Mystery Dining Company found that 20 per cent planned to visit to the pub over the weekend.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Britain’s Best Small Venue
NME is fighting back against the closure of live music pubs and clubs by launching a search for the UK’s best small venue.
The campaign comes after research by UK Music discovered around 50 pubs are closing each week because of the troubled economy and strict licensing laws, which is impacting heavily on the country’s live rock scene.
NME editor Krissi Murison said most successful bands would not have got where they are today without the help of small venues. “They play an extremely important role in nurturing talent, which NME is very proud to support,” Murison added. “It’s in all of the UK music industry’s interest for small venues to prosper.”
To help the fightback, NME is launching its search for Britain’s Best Small Venue. Live music fans will be invited to nominate their favourite small venue (with a capacity of 500 or below) via NME.COM/ smallvenues. Entries will be judged on the quality of the venue itself, as well as the music they have helped to encourage.
Following an initial two-week nomination period, venues chosen by fans and NME itself will be divided by region (South East and London, South West, Midlands and East Anglia, Wales, North, Scotland and Northern Ireland) and put forward to the voting stage on nme.com.
UK Music chief executive, Feargal Sharkey backed the campaign. “Great artists and great bands have always begun in small venues,” he said. “It is vital that the next generation of UK talent have places to learn their craft and play."
The campaign comes after research by UK Music discovered around 50 pubs are closing each week because of the troubled economy and strict licensing laws, which is impacting heavily on the country’s live rock scene.
NME editor Krissi Murison said most successful bands would not have got where they are today without the help of small venues. “They play an extremely important role in nurturing talent, which NME is very proud to support,” Murison added. “It’s in all of the UK music industry’s interest for small venues to prosper.”
To help the fightback, NME is launching its search for Britain’s Best Small Venue. Live music fans will be invited to nominate their favourite small venue (with a capacity of 500 or below) via NME.COM/ smallvenues. Entries will be judged on the quality of the venue itself, as well as the music they have helped to encourage.
Following an initial two-week nomination period, venues chosen by fans and NME itself will be divided by region (South East and London, South West, Midlands and East Anglia, Wales, North, Scotland and Northern Ireland) and put forward to the voting stage on nme.com.
UK Music chief executive, Feargal Sharkey backed the campaign. “Great artists and great bands have always begun in small venues,” he said. “It is vital that the next generation of UK talent have places to learn their craft and play."
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Wetherspoons Reports 'reasonable year'
JD Wetherspoon has this morning reported a 2.4% increase in like-for-like sales for the 13 weeks to 24 April.
The 787-strong managed pub company, said that total company sales during the period increased by 7.4%.
It said that it expected to produce “a reasonable outcome” in its current financial year. Like-for-like sales for the 39 weeks to 24 April were up by 2.4% and company sales climbed by 7.6% on the previous year.
The company has opened 29 new pubs and closed two pubs since the start of the financial year. A number of sites are under development and, in line with previous estimates, it intends to open approximately 50 pubs in the current financial year
The 787-strong managed pub company, said that total company sales during the period increased by 7.4%.
It said that it expected to produce “a reasonable outcome” in its current financial year. Like-for-like sales for the 39 weeks to 24 April were up by 2.4% and company sales climbed by 7.6% on the previous year.
The company has opened 29 new pubs and closed two pubs since the start of the financial year. A number of sites are under development and, in line with previous estimates, it intends to open approximately 50 pubs in the current financial year
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Cardiff Pub Redeveloped into Flats
An application to turn an old pub into a block of flats has sparked an angry response from a Cardiff community, reports Wales online.
The Cow and Snuffers in Llandaff North was closed last year, and a planning application has been submitted to convert the disused building into seven flats.
The former pub is the latest in a series of city hostelries to face being converted into housing.
But transforming the historic and once thriving establishment into a residential space would not be in keeping with the area’s past, according to the area’s councillors.
Llandaff North councillor Jacqui Hooper said: “Residents are absolutely horrified. It’s a lovely building and it has a lot of history behind it.
“We as councillors are also horrified. There are issues with access and with where they are going to put their bins,” she added.
“The Cow and Snuffers is one of the last buildings in Llandaff North with a lot of history.”
The pub was built in the 19th Century and its unusual name is said to have come as a result of a “silly name” contest.
Formerly known as the Red Cow, the Cow and Snuffers was also reported to have been visited by Benjamin Disraeli, with a bust of the former prime minister installed at the pub.
It is this illustrious past which residents and councillors fear will be lost if planning permission is given to convert the pub into flats.
But the consultants behind the application said the renovation would be a boost to the Llandaff North community and its housing needs.
Gareth Williams, of Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, said: “The pub was disused, so there is the potential for restoring the building.
“The pub closed down as it was not making money so they looked for an alternative use.
The Cow and Snuffers in Llandaff North was closed last year, and a planning application has been submitted to convert the disused building into seven flats.
The former pub is the latest in a series of city hostelries to face being converted into housing.
But transforming the historic and once thriving establishment into a residential space would not be in keeping with the area’s past, according to the area’s councillors.
Llandaff North councillor Jacqui Hooper said: “Residents are absolutely horrified. It’s a lovely building and it has a lot of history behind it.
“We as councillors are also horrified. There are issues with access and with where they are going to put their bins,” she added.
“The Cow and Snuffers is one of the last buildings in Llandaff North with a lot of history.”
The pub was built in the 19th Century and its unusual name is said to have come as a result of a “silly name” contest.
Formerly known as the Red Cow, the Cow and Snuffers was also reported to have been visited by Benjamin Disraeli, with a bust of the former prime minister installed at the pub.
It is this illustrious past which residents and councillors fear will be lost if planning permission is given to convert the pub into flats.
But the consultants behind the application said the renovation would be a boost to the Llandaff North community and its housing needs.
Gareth Williams, of Nathaniel Lichfield and Partners, said: “The pub was disused, so there is the potential for restoring the building.
“The pub closed down as it was not making money so they looked for an alternative use.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Local Pubs Become Part of Election Campaigns
In the final weekend of campaigning before the 5 May vote, parties continued to highlight key issues, reports the BBC.
Welsh Conservative leader Nick Bourne on the campaign trail
The Welsh Conservatives promoted their plans for community empowerment.
Candidate for South Wales Central, Andrew RT Davies, said: "Welsh Conservatives would give more communities the opportunity to get involved - co-operate - and take control."
Mr Davies was speaking on a visit to a pub, previously owned by the local community, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
"We want them to take over the running of local amenities like village halls, community centres, post offices and pubs."
Welsh Conservative leader Nick Bourne on the campaign trail
The Welsh Conservatives promoted their plans for community empowerment.
Candidate for South Wales Central, Andrew RT Davies, said: "Welsh Conservatives would give more communities the opportunity to get involved - co-operate - and take control."
Mr Davies was speaking on a visit to a pub, previously owned by the local community, in the Vale of Glamorgan.
"We want them to take over the running of local amenities like village halls, community centres, post offices and pubs."
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