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.

Kent Brewer and Pubco Reports Record Turnover and Beer Sales

Kent brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame achieved record turnover and total beer volume in the 26 weeks to 25 December 2010.

Turnover was up 1.6 per cent to £61.7m and like-for-like retail sales were up 3.6 per cent, with growth in liquor, food and accommodation.Operating profit for the half year stayed the same at £6.4m.

Based in Faversham, Kent, the company employs more than 1,000 people and operates 359 pubs in the South East.

Pub Trade News