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.”
Showing posts with label UK Pubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UK Pubs. Show all posts
Monday, May 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
St Patricks Day Celebrations in UK Pubs
The Mayor’s St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in association with Lebara Mobile will take place on Sunday 13 March 2011.
Set to be one of London's liveliest celebrations of the year, over 100,000 people attended last year's event.
The parade, featuring a colourful array of floats, marching bands and groups representing the Irish Counties, will proceed through central London from Green Park to Trafalgar Square starting at 12 noon.
Trafalgar Square will host the festival programme of live Irish music and dance on the main performance stage, showcasing the best of Irish music and dance from traditional to contemporary.
This fantastic, free family day out is a great way to experience all things Irish from food and dance to crafts, culture, music and much more.
Set to be one of London's liveliest celebrations of the year, over 100,000 people attended last year's event.
The parade, featuring a colourful array of floats, marching bands and groups representing the Irish Counties, will proceed through central London from Green Park to Trafalgar Square starting at 12 noon.
Trafalgar Square will host the festival programme of live Irish music and dance on the main performance stage, showcasing the best of Irish music and dance from traditional to contemporary.
This fantastic, free family day out is a great way to experience all things Irish from food and dance to crafts, culture, music and much more.
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
UK Pub Jobs Hit By VAT Increase
The VAT increase which came into force today will lead to the typical cost of a pint of beer in a pub breaking through the £3 barrier for the first time, said The British Beer & Pub Association
The increase in VAT to 20 per cent would add a further 6p to the cost of a pint of beer, on top of the 26 per cent rise in beer tax seen during the past two years.
It warned that the "double whammy" of the increase to duty and VAT was placing "shackles" on the pub and hospitality sector, and it urged the Government to abandon plans for further beer tax increases.
The warning comes as nervous retailers promise to absorb or delay today's 2.5 per cent VAT hike but admit they can only defer higher prices for so long.
The BBPA said the tax increase would hit pubs, in which beer is the key seller, more than other retailers, as many are small, family-run businesses, which are less able to absorb the cost than big supermarkets.
Research carried out for the group by Oxford Economics suggests that the VAT increase will lead to the loss of around 8,800 jobs related to the sale of beer.
The increase in VAT to 20 per cent would add a further 6p to the cost of a pint of beer, on top of the 26 per cent rise in beer tax seen during the past two years.
It warned that the "double whammy" of the increase to duty and VAT was placing "shackles" on the pub and hospitality sector, and it urged the Government to abandon plans for further beer tax increases.
The warning comes as nervous retailers promise to absorb or delay today's 2.5 per cent VAT hike but admit they can only defer higher prices for so long.
The BBPA said the tax increase would hit pubs, in which beer is the key seller, more than other retailers, as many are small, family-run businesses, which are less able to absorb the cost than big supermarkets.
Research carried out for the group by Oxford Economics suggests that the VAT increase will lead to the loss of around 8,800 jobs related to the sale of beer.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Pub Closures Loophole up for Review
The unpopular legal clause which allows large pub companies to restrict the uses of pubs after their closure will be reviewed, ministers have announced.'Restrictive covenants' are argued to damage competition and prevent communities saving their local pub.
Pubs minister Bob Neill announced there would be a public consultation on the issue next year, with the possibility of scrapping the clause entirely.He said: "The pubs and clubs in our community can be the heart and soul of a town, village or street and many of us will be heading off to our local this evening to celebrate the new year.
"For too long now communities have felt shut out when rules prevent a building being used again as a public house or community club. I want to stop that and put local people in charge.
"By reviewing the use of this restrictive piece of red tape it is another boost for localism and means that communities could use their collective powers to keep important hubs of community life open."The government agreed to the consultation after three local authorities called for a review of restrictive covenants.Under the localism bill announced earlier this month, local community groups will be able to bid for the running of under-threat pubs under a 'right to buy' scheme.
Assets deemed 'vital' to the community will be submitted to councils, who will then place them on a list of sites with a moratorium on closures to allow communities to develop a bid.The news of the review will make such local bids more likely to succeed and was greeted warmly by pressure groups unhappy with the current loopholes - which they say favour larger companies.
Mike Benner, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, said it was a "victory for people power"."Restrictive covenants are used by pub companies to deprive local communities of their pubs, at a time when 29 pubs are closing every week," he added.
"This announcement that the government will consult on the use of restrictive covenants is a great success for localism, and shows that government recognises that pubs are vital community assets that need to be protected."For the new community right to buy scheme announced in this week's Localism Bill to work, pubs need to be available for communities to keep open."
Pub closures loophole up for review - politics.co.uk
Pubs minister Bob Neill announced there would be a public consultation on the issue next year, with the possibility of scrapping the clause entirely.He said: "The pubs and clubs in our community can be the heart and soul of a town, village or street and many of us will be heading off to our local this evening to celebrate the new year.
"For too long now communities have felt shut out when rules prevent a building being used again as a public house or community club. I want to stop that and put local people in charge.
"By reviewing the use of this restrictive piece of red tape it is another boost for localism and means that communities could use their collective powers to keep important hubs of community life open."The government agreed to the consultation after three local authorities called for a review of restrictive covenants.Under the localism bill announced earlier this month, local community groups will be able to bid for the running of under-threat pubs under a 'right to buy' scheme.
Assets deemed 'vital' to the community will be submitted to councils, who will then place them on a list of sites with a moratorium on closures to allow communities to develop a bid.The news of the review will make such local bids more likely to succeed and was greeted warmly by pressure groups unhappy with the current loopholes - which they say favour larger companies.
Mike Benner, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, said it was a "victory for people power"."Restrictive covenants are used by pub companies to deprive local communities of their pubs, at a time when 29 pubs are closing every week," he added.
"This announcement that the government will consult on the use of restrictive covenants is a great success for localism, and shows that government recognises that pubs are vital community assets that need to be protected."For the new community right to buy scheme announced in this week's Localism Bill to work, pubs need to be available for communities to keep open."
Pub closures loophole up for review - politics.co.uk
Monday, December 20, 2010
UK Pubs are Tourist Favourite
Visit Britain has found that The UK Pub is a big draw for tourists visiting the country.
In individual areas of the country, the pub was the main event.Foreign tourists were lured to the North-East last year particularly by its exuberant pub and club scene, vibrant football and spectacular coastline. A greater proportion of foreign visitors went to the pub (67%) than any other area of England.
Overseas tourists were lured to Yorkshire last year particularly by the county’s outstandingly beautiful countryside and villages. Some 55% of foreign holidaymakers who visited Yorkshire headed for rural areas, the highest proportion in Britain. Yorkshire’s nearest rival in this respect was Scotland (52%). A higher proportion sampled the local pubs (60%) than any other area of England apart from the North-East and East Midlands.
In individual areas of the country, the pub was the main event.Foreign tourists were lured to the North-East last year particularly by its exuberant pub and club scene, vibrant football and spectacular coastline. A greater proportion of foreign visitors went to the pub (67%) than any other area of England.
Overseas tourists were lured to Yorkshire last year particularly by the county’s outstandingly beautiful countryside and villages. Some 55% of foreign holidaymakers who visited Yorkshire headed for rural areas, the highest proportion in Britain. Yorkshire’s nearest rival in this respect was Scotland (52%). A higher proportion sampled the local pubs (60%) than any other area of England apart from the North-East and East Midlands.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Whitbread Reports Jump in Sales and Profits
Pub and restaurant operator Whitbread has reported a near 30 per cent rise in its pre-tax profits in the last six months, reports the Publican
Reporting half year financials to September 2, the Beefeater and Brewers Fayre-owner said total revenue was up 14.5 per cent to £805.4m from £703.3 in the previous six months.
Over the same period, like-for-like sales were up 7.8 per cent.
Profits before tax were £151.8m – up 28.4 per cent from £118.2m.
Whitbread chairman Anthony Habgood said the increase was down to the company adapting its business model to offer more value deals during the recession.
Reporting half year financials to September 2, the Beefeater and Brewers Fayre-owner said total revenue was up 14.5 per cent to £805.4m from £703.3 in the previous six months.
Over the same period, like-for-like sales were up 7.8 per cent.
Profits before tax were £151.8m – up 28.4 per cent from £118.2m.
Whitbread chairman Anthony Habgood said the increase was down to the company adapting its business model to offer more value deals during the recession.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Greene King Ads Back "Proper" Pubs
Greene King has launched a major £1.5m national press advertising campaign extolling the virtues of its “proper pubs”, reports the Morning Advertiser.
It is the first major national media pub campaign since Greene King sponsored Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway a few years ago.The campaign launched at the weekend and will run for six weeks across a variety of broadsheet and tabloid titles - and it will be repeated in the Spring.
There are a total of six different full-page adverts, each talking about the unique service and experience that a pub offers.
“The Parched Hound” advert, for example, reminds consumers that any of its pubs will happily provide a water bowl for your dog — “All you need to do is ask”.“The Glass on the Grass” advert, which appears in the Daily Telegraph this morning, reminds consumers that “pints in plastic aren’t proper”.
Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand said the campaign derives from research that shows consumers want very traditional things from their pubs.
The company’s research had shown the word that consumers use most regularly in relation to their notion of an outstanding pub is “proper”.He said the campaign was a signal that Greene King wanted to invest in the pub market and is timed with British Pub Week in mind — it runs between 30 October and 6 November.
It is the first major national media pub campaign since Greene King sponsored Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway a few years ago.The campaign launched at the weekend and will run for six weeks across a variety of broadsheet and tabloid titles - and it will be repeated in the Spring.
There are a total of six different full-page adverts, each talking about the unique service and experience that a pub offers.
“The Parched Hound” advert, for example, reminds consumers that any of its pubs will happily provide a water bowl for your dog — “All you need to do is ask”.“The Glass on the Grass” advert, which appears in the Daily Telegraph this morning, reminds consumers that “pints in plastic aren’t proper”.
Greene King chief executive Rooney Anand said the campaign derives from research that shows consumers want very traditional things from their pubs.
The company’s research had shown the word that consumers use most regularly in relation to their notion of an outstanding pub is “proper”.He said the campaign was a signal that Greene King wanted to invest in the pub market and is timed with British Pub Week in mind — it runs between 30 October and 6 November.
Monday, September 13, 2010
UK Pub News; BBPA Predict 43,000 Job Losses
Pub closures are inreasing say BBPA - predicting 43,000 sector job losses over next 5 years. Britain's cash-strapped pubs groups, faced with the toughest trading conditions for years, look set to accelerate pub closures as the government turns the screws and presses ahead with planned tax rises.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has said closures across the UK are running at 5 a day, up a third on last year, with close to 1,900 of the country's 57,000 pubs set to shut this year if the current rate continues.
The industry is angry with the government for pressing ahead with tax rises when it is facing the toughest trading conditions for years with pressure on household budgets, last year's smoking ban, cheap alcohol offers in supermarkets, and the miserable summer weather encouraging drinkers to stay at home.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has said closures across the UK are running at 5 a day, up a third on last year, with close to 1,900 of the country's 57,000 pubs set to shut this year if the current rate continues.
The industry is angry with the government for pressing ahead with tax rises when it is facing the toughest trading conditions for years with pressure on household budgets, last year's smoking ban, cheap alcohol offers in supermarkets, and the miserable summer weather encouraging drinkers to stay at home.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
70% of Pubs Want Smoking Ban Lifting
More than 70% of pub operators want the smoking ban to be lifted, according to a new survey by pro-choice organisation freedom2choose, reports the Morning Advertiser.
The survey, which interviewed 570 licensees across England, found that only 8% wanted a full ban but 72% were in favour of a separate smoking room.
Statistics from the survey suggest that smoking customers still hold significance in pubs, with approximately 37% of all licensees believing that three quarters or more of their customers were smokers.
A total of 90% of core customers in Northern and Midland pubs are also said to be smokers.However, the survey represents just over 1% of the UK pub market.
Cultural consultant Dr Ruth Cherrington said: "There is plenty of room for change within this law, which would ensure a fairer 'playing field' for all and a virtual cessation of pub closures."
The survey, which interviewed 570 licensees across England, found that only 8% wanted a full ban but 72% were in favour of a separate smoking room.
Statistics from the survey suggest that smoking customers still hold significance in pubs, with approximately 37% of all licensees believing that three quarters or more of their customers were smokers.
A total of 90% of core customers in Northern and Midland pubs are also said to be smokers.However, the survey represents just over 1% of the UK pub market.
Cultural consultant Dr Ruth Cherrington said: "There is plenty of room for change within this law, which would ensure a fairer 'playing field' for all and a virtual cessation of pub closures."
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
CAMRA hails Big Society Support for Community Owned Pubs
This morning the Prime Minister gave a speech on the Big Society, endorsing pubs as local assets and promising Government support for communities wishing to save threatened pubs through community ownership.
Community ownership for pubs would not only be invaluable in saving pubs threatened with closure but there is clearly an appetite for it. CAMRA's recent polling research shows that 63% of regular pub goers would be willing to join efforts to save their favourite local pub if it was under threat.
CAMRA has therefore welcomed this morning's announcement, and has written to the Government seeking assurances that the Big Society will be backed up with adequate resources to provide business, legal and financial advice to communities wishing to save their pub by running it as a mutual, co-operative or social enterprise.
Jonathan Mail, CAMRA's Head of Policy and Public Affairs said:
"Pubs provide the vibrant heart of many communities and provide an invaluable meeting place and the centre for countless local activities. The loss of such pubs can be devastating to community spirit and identity and Government has a key role to play in enabling communities to come together to save their local pubs."
Community ownership for pubs would not only be invaluable in saving pubs threatened with closure but there is clearly an appetite for it. CAMRA's recent polling research shows that 63% of regular pub goers would be willing to join efforts to save their favourite local pub if it was under threat.
CAMRA has therefore welcomed this morning's announcement, and has written to the Government seeking assurances that the Big Society will be backed up with adequate resources to provide business, legal and financial advice to communities wishing to save their pub by running it as a mutual, co-operative or social enterprise.
Jonathan Mail, CAMRA's Head of Policy and Public Affairs said:
"Pubs provide the vibrant heart of many communities and provide an invaluable meeting place and the centre for countless local activities. The loss of such pubs can be devastating to community spirit and identity and Government has a key role to play in enabling communities to come together to save their local pubs."
Monday, June 28, 2010
Pubs will Miss out on Takings Boost after England Flop
Pubs stand to lose out by thousands of pounds after England's exit from the World Cup.
Businesses who had hoped for a bonanza if the Three Lions progressed to the quarter-finals and beyond are now glumly preparing for trade to return to normal.
While The British Beer and Pub Association estimated that a good run by Fabio Capello's team could have been worth an extra £124m to the pub industry, and a single match could see a pub's takings nearly double..
Bars and pubs have been packed with patriotic punters cheering on Wayne Rooney and his teammates during their rocky ride in South Africa, and a quarter-final match against Argentina at 3pm on Saturday would have meant another full house.
Businesses who had hoped for a bonanza if the Three Lions progressed to the quarter-finals and beyond are now glumly preparing for trade to return to normal.
While The British Beer and Pub Association estimated that a good run by Fabio Capello's team could have been worth an extra £124m to the pub industry, and a single match could see a pub's takings nearly double..
Bars and pubs have been packed with patriotic punters cheering on Wayne Rooney and his teammates during their rocky ride in South Africa, and a quarter-final match against Argentina at 3pm on Saturday would have meant another full house.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Save the Pub MPs call for Smoking Ban Relaxation
The newly re-elected All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group vice chairman and MP for Northampton South wants the law to be changed to allow smoking in separate well-ventilated rooms.
He will push forward with his campaign in the run up to the three-year re-evaluation of the ban this autumn.
“The way Parliament handled the situation for pubs and clubs was draconian, crude and crass,” said Binley, who is a non-smoking asthmatic.
Binley said he understood the health implications of smoking indoors, but that advanced extraction systems were capable of dealing with second hand smoke.
He will push forward with his campaign in the run up to the three-year re-evaluation of the ban this autumn.
“The way Parliament handled the situation for pubs and clubs was draconian, crude and crass,” said Binley, who is a non-smoking asthmatic.
Binley said he understood the health implications of smoking indoors, but that advanced extraction systems were capable of dealing with second hand smoke.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Orchid Group to Buy 150 Pubs
The Publican Reports that Orchid Group, the privately-backed managed pub operator which recently acquired the Premium Bars & Restaurants business, is looking to add a further 50 pubs to its estate this year.
Additionally the group’s Parkmill Pub Management (PPM) operation is looking to buy another 100 pubs in 2011.
PPM’s managing director Magnus Wilson said he would be looking at “small groups as well as individual pubs” as part of his search.
“Pubs are closing in record numbers, but we believe our success proves that many of these great locals can be turned around rather than simply written off,” Wilson said.
“With the right passion, vision and investment we can revitalise pubs which might otherwise shut their doors for good,” he added.
Recent acquisitions by PPM have been turned into Orchid’s value and premium carvery formats, a strategy the group said had proved highly successful.
Additionally the group’s Parkmill Pub Management (PPM) operation is looking to buy another 100 pubs in 2011.
PPM’s managing director Magnus Wilson said he would be looking at “small groups as well as individual pubs” as part of his search.
“Pubs are closing in record numbers, but we believe our success proves that many of these great locals can be turned around rather than simply written off,” Wilson said.
“With the right passion, vision and investment we can revitalise pubs which might otherwise shut their doors for good,” he added.
Recent acquisitions by PPM have been turned into Orchid’s value and premium carvery formats, a strategy the group said had proved highly successful.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Regulars Celebrate Bulldozed Pub
A Crewe pub which was bulldozed in the 80s opened for business again at the weekend – with a celebration spread across five town pubs.Ye Olde Chetwode Arms stood opposite St Paul’s Church on the High Town crossroads but was controversially bulldozed in May 1980 to make way for the West Street extension.
Thirty years on, former regular Steve Willett organised a reunion for customers, staff and their friends and family.Steve said: “It was such a popular pub that people continued talking about it 30 years later and I wanted the younger generation to know what the fuss was all about. I thought the best way forward was to recreate the atmosphere, with music and traditional pub games.”
Thirty years on, former regular Steve Willett organised a reunion for customers, staff and their friends and family.Steve said: “It was such a popular pub that people continued talking about it 30 years later and I wanted the younger generation to know what the fuss was all about. I thought the best way forward was to recreate the atmosphere, with music and traditional pub games.”
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Pub Landlords Welcome Government Support
Pub Landlords have welcomed news that the Government has set aside £4 million to help keep them running.
Pubs minister John Healey has announced a number of measures aimed at helping rural pubs including slashing “beer ties” which lock pubs into purchasing beer from the big pub companies. Other measures announced by the minister include business support to help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running.
Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the residents to have their say.
Mr Healey said: “This package of tough, practical measures aims to put some real support behind our community pubs, giving publicans more support to diversify and punters more choice.
“Today’s measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together.”
Pubs minister John Healey has announced a number of measures aimed at helping rural pubs including slashing “beer ties” which lock pubs into purchasing beer from the big pub companies. Other measures announced by the minister include business support to help communities buy into struggling pubs to keep them running.
Councils will also be given new powers through the planning system to intervene before a pub is demolished, giving a pause in the system for the residents to have their say.
Mr Healey said: “This package of tough, practical measures aims to put some real support behind our community pubs, giving publicans more support to diversify and punters more choice.
“Today’s measures are a much needed shot in the arm for publicans in these tough times. They will make it easier to diversify lower costs and cut red tape when it comes to branching out. It is also a boost for local communities, giving them a greater stake in the future of their local pubs often so important in bringing people together.”
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