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By Matt Furnell, 14/02/2011 11:17 am

Greene King licensees can look forward to a new and enhanced package of catering support to help them develop food in their pubs.  As part of their customer led retail strategy, Pub Partners has re-launched and enhanced their Food Made Easy training courses alongside a number of refreshed off the shelf food packages.

Food Made Easy is a turn key food solution so that their leased and tenanted licensees ca

Sample of the POS available to licensees

n adopt a package which includes catering equipment, ingredients, margin calculator and printed interior and external point of sale, enabling them to offer food easily, whilst gaining the right training to achieve this.

Simon Longbottom, managing director of Greene King Pub Partners said, “This is a one stop shop in terms of food delivery from training to the actual delivery of a menu in the pub.  It’s cost effective, simple with low wastage, helping licensees manage their cash flow and ultimately their profitability.  It’s all about putting support in place that works, is easy to do and can produce instant results.

We’d like all our pubs to have state of the art kitchens but realistically this isn’t going to happen so it’s important that we can provide those pubs that need it with an up to date solution that meets customer demands enabling licensees to tap into the food market out there”.

The three food solutions include a panini menu, pizza menu and Local Favourites offer with three price points for each providing a margin of up to 70%, ideal for value community style operations.  Each package includes exterior corex and interior posters and menus.  Licensees are able to distribute up to 5,000 flyers locally and have the capacity to capture data of customers eating at their pubs allowing future communication to be web based.  The training is delivered across the country in cluster courses aligned to the menu packages available.

Adding Longbottom said, “By leveraging our managed house buying power we’ve been able to develop Food Made Easy so the lower prices can be passed to our licensees.  We’ve also trialled these food solutions and they work.  The training and the off the shelf kit provides the licensee with the confidence to offer food where they haven’t before or have just dipped their toe in.  It takes away any concerns around investment, training and food hygiene as the package does it all for them”.

Greene King Pub Partners first launched food support six years ago with their Food made Easy online packages and SCOFF menus.  The new range and training takes into account the changes in customer tastes and trends and was developed by Greene King’s own licensees for licensees.

ENDS

PRESS CONTACT: ELAINE BECKETT, PR & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, GREENE KING PUB PARTNERS, TEL: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell, 01/02/2011 12:18 pm

Just three months after launching a new programme of customer experience surveys for leased and tenanted pubs as part of their consumer led retail strategy, Greene King Pub Partners’ licensees have shown encouraging results.  Out of 1,218 pubs that have been surveyed in the last three months, the average overall score was 82.2%.

All pubs were marked on five areas:

Impressing our customers – 93.4%
Bar service with a smile – 81.7%
Fantastic Pub Food – 71.6%
Outstanding impression – 80.3%
Clean and Fresh facilities – 93.5%

Simon Longbottom Managing Director Greene King Pub Partners

Speaking about the results, managing director for Pub Partners, Simon Longbottom said, “These surveys are part of our consumer led retail strategy to ensure we focus our support in the right areas to deliver this for our licensees and they concentrate on the areas which will increase customer loyalty.  Research has already shown us that customer spend is directly influenced by the level of service a customer receives and the better the service, the more profit a licensee can make so we’re delighted by the scores.  It just shows what outstanding licensees we have running Greene King pubs.  It’s also shown we need to provide more help with food support and advice and are about to launch a whole new range of training and food packages to help licensees improve in this area”.

Greene King Pub Partners is investing heavily in quarterly customer experience surveys throughout all their pubs within the leased and tenanted estate.  The surveys are developed depending on the type of pub being visiting e.g. Premium, Mid Market and Value.   The results are discussed with each individual licensee enabling licensees to reward excellent practice and improve in the areas they need to.  The results are an integral part of any business review held with their business development manager.

Adding, Longbottom said, “Investing in this service is all about providing feedback to our licensees to help them to get customers to return to their pubs more frequently, spend more money when they are there and recommending the pubs to others.  It also enables us to be able to target training requirements for each pub more specifically”.

Retaileyes, an independent company is working with Pub Partners to conduct the experience surveys.

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PRESS CONTACT: Elaine Beckett, PR & Communications Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844.

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By Matt Furnell, 18/10/2010 10:44 am

Forget coffee, cup cakes and wifi, a “proper pub” is still all about the food, beer and friendly landlords, according to a survey undertaken by the country’s biggest pub company and brewer.

As some pubs increasingly diversify to attract new trade, the findings will provide succour to landlords whose time-honoured view of the British pub is of an authentic watering hole that prides itself on service and high-quality tipples and meals.

Greene King commissioned the YouGov poll to find out what were the essential ingredients for the “proper pub” of the 21st century.

And, while two thirds (66%) of people said a good choice of food and drinks was top of the pub-goers wish list, just one per cent said wifi was important to them. Of food and drinks most expected to be found in a “proper pub” cakes and Danish pastries attracted less than 1% of votes, and coffee and a range of tea gained just seven per cent of the votes.

A friendly landlord was thought essential by 57 per cent of people, and the idea of the pub as centre of the community is still important, put in the top three must-have ingredients by almost a third of those surveyed (30%).

Rooney Anand, chief executive of Greene King, which runs around 2,400 pubs in the UK, said the results showed that while publicans had to look to new ways of increasing revenue in difficult economic times, the fundamentals of the “proper pub” still hold true.

“We know from our own experience that people are drinking more tea and coffee, and eating more food, in pubs these days, and these are very important for the future of the pub trade,” he added.

“But it’s significant that top of most people’s list is the authentic atmosphere and feel of a British pub that comes from the landlord, the sense of community and the quality of the food and drink on offer.

“The British pub meets timeless human needs that are simply not fulfilled by other meeting places or groups, like social media networks. That’s why it survives and will continue to do so despite all the other opportunities we have for “joining” and for networking.

“It remains an essential community integrator, where people of different ages and backgrounds mix in a relaxed atmosphere.”

A beer garden (27 per cent) and log fire (22 per cent) fared much better in the survey than access for dogs (six per cent) and comfy sofas (15 per cent), while pub games were more popular among 18 to 24 year olds (31 per cent), and 29 per cent of all questioned thought “proper pubs” should be family friendly.

Mr Anand said that the company wasn’t looking for a one-size-fits-all approach to pubs, and the survey shows that there is a need for different pubs for different types of pub-goer.

“It’s quite clear that some people like somewhere they can take their family for Sunday lunch, while to others a “proper pub” is all about somewhere to socialise in the evening with their mates. Other still want the relaxing surroundings of a log fire, comfy sofas and a glass of wine,” he added.

“This research and the campaign which follows will enable us to drill down to see what’s really important to people in different age groups and different areas.”

A website – www.properpubs.co.uk – has been launched to give people the chance to cast their vote on what they think should be in a “proper pub, with the chance to win a personalised pub sign and 100 free meals on offer to those taking part.

Other key findings included:

• More people in the North East than anywhere else like to relax on a comfy pub sofa (25%)

• Those in the North West have a passion for authentic pub games like pool and darts (32%)

• People in the East Midlands are the most likely to want a friendly landlord (63%)

• Pub-goers in the South East believe a “proper pub” should be at the heart of its community (35%)

• Those in the South West want to sit by a log fire (30%), often with man’s best friend at their side (10%)

• While the Welsh believe a “proper pub” should reflect family friendly values (39%)

In the survey, 2,118 people were asked to select the top three characteristics that make up a “proper pub”, from the following list:

• Log fire
• Friendly landlord
• Centre of the community
• Family friendly
• Somewhere I can take my dog
• Comfy sofas
• Wifi for laptops
• Beer garden
• Good choice of food and drinks
• Pub games

They were also asked what type of food and drink they would expect to find in a “proper pub”.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2118 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 4th – 6th October 2010.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

For more information please contact Matt Ware or Donna Chessum at Tribe on 01603 417722 or email matt@tribepr.com or donna@tribepr.com

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By Matt Furnell, 15/03/2010 6:03 pm

The Jolly Farmer, Hurst, is expecting quite a gathering on Saturday 20^th March!   A day for the whole family, full of vintage activities, the Jolly Farmer will play host to the local annual steam rally that attracts guests from as far a field as Holland and Germany.  Customers will get the chance to see up close some exquisite vintage vehicles and steam engines as well as watch the exciting races of the mini steam engines and the mamods!  The event is a particular passion of The Incredible Dr Busker, the last Victorian Pub Pianist who will be playing into the evening.

Greene King Licensees, Nick and Jane Flatters said, “We are thrilled to offer our customers a day that is out of the ordinary. It really is something the whole family can get involved in, from having breakfast together at the pub, through to supper watching Dr Busker in the evening!  We are proud being associated with an event that promotes the preservation of our fantastic heritage”.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Robin Tidd said, “Nick and Jane are really looking forward to welcoming their regulars and new customers to this fantastic day. The Jolly Farmer is a great pub for this event, offering a great welcome as well as great beer and food! ”

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Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Kensington Arms, Redland is renowned for its laid back atmosphere and relaxed approach; a local pub with great modern British food. So it’s no surprise that the pub recently had the honour of being awarded an ‘AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence’, recognising them as an outstanding pub in the area of Bristol. 

A mystery visit led to the award showing The Kensington Arms offered fantastic and consistently high quality food.

Speaking about the award, licensee at the Greene King pub, Tom Nunn said, “It’s brilliant news for the whole team.  We’re very proud that all the hard work and effort to make our dining experience something special has been accredited with an AA Rosette. It recognises the quality and consistency of our food that our customers have come expect”.

Toby Brett, regional manager for Greene King said, “It’s wonderful that The Kensington Arms has been awarded such a prestigious accolade. Tom and his team have done a great job at The Kensington Arms and this certainly puts the pub firmly on the map”

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Press Contact:

Tom Nunn, Operations Manager, Brunel Pub Company, Tel: 07714 205108

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Dukes Head, Sunninghill, has welcomed with open arms, it’s new licensees, Hungarian couple, Andras Rajk and Krisztina Jando.  With the help of their families they have embraced their new project and lovingly prepared the Dukes Head for 2010, creating a homely atmosphere which prides itself on offering freshly prepared dishes of both English and Hungarian origin – a real gem for fans of Goulash!

Andras and Krisztina said, “We’ve been here since September and have been working hard to transform this pub into a real hub for the community.  We’re really proud how it’s turned out and we’re looking forward to welcoming more of the villagers back”.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Robin Tidd said, “Andras and Krisztina are doing a great job of bringing this village pub back to life creating a real gem for the local area, their positive attitude and determination looks set to be a recipe for success and we’re working closely with them to help encourage more of the villagers back”.

Ends

Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell, 18/11/2009 2:56 pm

 The Port Mahon pub in Oxford has undergone a complete transformation by pub operators Joe Hill and Nick Bassett.  The duo, who already have the Fir Tree pub have used their experience to turn the Greene King pub around.

Speaking about their new venture, Nick said, “The Port Mahon is like two pubs rolled into one, the best of both worlds.  Sports fanatics can take advantage of the Sports bar with all the Sky features, whilst music lovers can enjoy the live entertainment in the traditional pub”.

Adding he said, “We wanted to bring the pub back to life.  It’s always had a reputation for good music but the pub needed some tlc and both Joe and I have given it that”.

Regional manager for Greene King, Robin Tidd said, “Nick and Joe know what they are doing and are just the right people to take this pub and make it work really well”.

Press Contact: Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell, 06/10/2009 3:03 pm

Lyn Walker and Yvonne Mallinson have become the latest “Public Housewives” to take on a pub with Greene King, the Star in Rolvenden near Cranbrook.  The duo who run their own catering business and local café, the Bread o f Life in Dulwich, London SE22 decided to take over the pub and transform it with their skills and a woman’s touch.

 Speaking about their new venture, Lyn said, “We’d visited the pub when it was thriving and then not, so that’s why we decided we could take the leap into the pub sector and put this real pub for real people back on the map.  Through Greene King’s support we’ve been able to transform the business and create somewhere really special for the locals”.

 The Public Housewives campaign launched by Greene King is aimed at encouraging more women to take the plunge and run pubs as their own businesses.  Caroline Hollings, recruitment and training director for Greene King says, “The impression people get when thinking about running a pub is that there has to be a man behind the bar and nothing could be further from the truth.  We have some really successful women running our pubs of which Lyn and Yvonne are definitely two.  We need to change the perception and get more women who are business minded and great managers looking to this industry as a self employed business option”.

 Lyn and Yvonne have revamped the pub with a new paint job and signage and replanted the gardens, welcomed back the darts and football teams and introduced a good home cooked pub food menu alongside an ever popular Sunday Roast.

 Adding Yvonne said, “You have to have dedication and work hard if you take on a pub but seeing a happy face on the other side of the bar and knowing you are providing something the community wants makes it all worth while”.

 Even Lyn’s husband, Mick, is happy even though it has taken some getting used to, he says, “I must be the only man who goes out to work all day whilst my wife’s down the pub!”.

 More information about the Public Housewives campaign can be found on http://www.publichousewives.co.uk/.

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By Matt Furnell, 02/10/2009 3:00 pm

DRIVING FOOD BUSINESS 

OVERVIEW

A one day intensive training course developed and delivered to ensure regional managers are up to date with the latest food trends and expertise to develop food opportunities with their licensees in their pubs.

Delivered by independent food consultants the food masterclass ensured regional managers could advise licensees on: 

• The mechanics of a meal deal
  • Costing
  • Size
  • Times
  • Market
  • Price
     
• Identifying your target market
• Costing an overall menu
• Developing a food menu
• Conducting successful competitor analysis
• Following the latest trends in food

 30 Regional managers attended the training 

Pub Partners continues to focus on employee training to ensure their business support is the best in the industry

The training supports the Food Made Easy package for licensees on Greene King PubPartners.net online extranet for licensees.  This includes: 

• Menu design options
• Menu templates
• Dishes bank
• Costing and wastage tables
• Health and Hygiene advice

 Alongside their buying partner, Pelican, Pub Partners are developing more menu packages with food suppliers

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By Elaine Beckett, 25/09/2009 11:26 am

New landlords, Jim and Tracy have brought back to life the Stanhope Arms pub in Brasted near Westerham, making it the centre of the village once again.

Closed for over six months, the pub has been redecorated throughout with a brand new kitchen installed so a traditional English home cooked menu can be introduced.

Speaking about their new venture, Jim said, “So many pubs have gone stale and this is what happened to the Stanhope Arms.  We’ve changed that and have re-created an old fashioned family pub with locals’ bar and separate dining, restaurant area.  A pub should be the centre of its community and we aim to make the Stanhope that again”.

 egional manager for Greene King Mike O’Connor said, “It’s brilliant what Jim and Tracy have done to the pub. It is now certainly back on the map and a welcome addition to the village again”.

Jim and Tracy have installed new furniture and soft furnishings within the pub as well as redecorating throughout.  They are soon to begin on the exterior.  Home cooked food is being introduced and will be served all week.

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Press Contact: Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844