Wi-Fi in Pubs Would Attract More Customers Reports Big Hospitality

A survey of customers in some of the largest pub chains around the UK has found that a decent Wi-Fi connection would encourage punters to visit more often.

Preliminary results from a Him! Research’s OnTrack 2011 report reveal that 6 per cent of pub customers say they’d be more frequent customers in a pub if they could log on to the internet there.

The report was prepared following interviews with 2,700 pub customers conducted earlier this month at Greene King, JDW/Lloyds Average, JD Wetherspoon, Lloyds, Shepherd Neame, Vintage Inns, Marston's, Punch, and Independent Pubs.

“Other foodservice outlets are increasingly offering this footfall driving service, which has already become an expectation in some parts of the world,” said Him!

“For example, Pizza Express e-mailed its customer database this week to let them know about their improved Wi-Fi service."

Another survey published in 2008 revealed similar results. Conducted by T-Mobile, the survey had found that almost half of British consumers want to be able to use the internet wherever they go, and they list pubs as one of the top locations they would like to surf the web.

UK Pub Sales News: Travelodge to target former pubs for sale

Budget hotel chain Travelodge will be seeking former pubs for sale in order to expand its operations by 100 new small hotels.

The company unveiled plans to develop Metro accommodation, which would see smaller sites containing between 20 and 40 rooms each being launched in prime locations.
Office space in London is one area Travelodge is looking to develop into hotels, along with old pubs, derelict cinemas and theatres, disused business parks and retail outlets.

Guy Parsons, chief executive of the chain, commented that a pilot scheme in Edinburgh showed how successful the Metro model could be.

"Downsizing our hotel building requirements will open hundreds of development opportunities for us. This will enable us to expand quickly and meet the growing demands from consumers who want low cost and good quality accommodation in prime locations," he added.

Meanwhile, Travelodge has also announced plans to link up with pub companies, including Greene King, Mitchells & Butlers and JD Wetherspoon, as part of a £100 million expansion project.

UK Pub Sales News

JD Wetherspoon Opens New Pubs in Dorset

New pub jobs are to be created in Dorset after JD Wetherspoon was granted permission to open a new venue in Wimborne, reports Caterer.com

The pub chain applied to East Dorset District Council to open a pub on the site of the former Old Conservative Club in West Borough and was given the nod by district planners, the Bournemouth Echo reports.

In addition, the chain's proposals for closing times - 00:30 BST from Sunday to Wednesday and 01:30 from Thursday to Saturday - were also given the green light.

The pub will be allowed to serve late-night refreshments and alcohol until midnight from Sunday to Wednesday and 01:00 from Thursday to Saturday, the newspaper noted.

It comes after plans to build a new venue in the Dorset seaside town of Weymouth were approved, which could create many hotel jobs in the area.

The multi-million pound proposals for the site on Mercery Road include a hotel, an office building, supermarket, petrol station and car park, View Online reports.