What it means to pubs

We asked licensees whose pubs feature in leading guides if the experience has been good for business

Les Routiers Pubs and Inns Guide 2005:

Melanie Thornton, the Apple-tree Country Inn, Pickering, North Yorkshire, said: "A lot of people are picking up this guide now whereas a few years ago it didn't have such a good name. It seems to be making more of an impact now."

Archie Orr-Ewing, the King's Head Inn, Kingham, Oxford-shire, said: "It has been good for business so far and I think it's worthwhile to be included. We always ask people how they find out about us and quite a few have mentioned the guide."

Luke Wilson, the Rainbow Inn, Lewes, East Sussex, said: "I wouldn't notice if it has made an impact on business or not. We are packed all of the time anyway and who can tell? But I suppose no PR can be bad for business."

The Good Pub Guide 2005:

David Watts, the Kings Head, Letheringsett, Norfolk, said: "The guide does spur customers on to look at the website or pop in on their travels. It is certainly attracting customers, especially the older and more mature clientele who know what they like."

Nick Borst-Smith, the Nobody Inn, in Doddiscombsleigh, Devon, said: "It's difficult to assess how it has affected trade, but we use the guide ourselves if that's anything to go by. We find it very reliable and you do see a lot of people carrying it around."

Bob Shepherd, of the Swan, Swinbrook, Oxfordshire, said: "I don't know the effect it has had exactly, but a couple of customers have mentioned it so far. I would think it is very good for business to be included in any of the guides."

Michelin's Eating Out in Pubs:

Stephen Walker, King's Arms, Didmarton, Gloucestershire, said: "We haven't had a massive response yet, but I'm sure it won't be long until people start mentioning it. It's for next year and a lot of people buy their copies at Christmas so it's too early to say."

Quentin Thwaites, Maltsters Arms, Tuckenhay, Devon, said: "It's impossible to tell but I am sure it's good for business. I haven't heard anyone mention it yet. We have it in the pub and talk about it but Michelin is one of the less known guides."

Paul Hackett, Yew Tree, Clifford's Mesne, Gloucestershire, said: "It's a bit early to say, but a few customers have mentioned it already. Michelin usually advertises through word-of-mouth only but I would say it needs to advertise more for this guide to be effective."

AA Pub Guide 2005:

John Gilchrist, Crooked Billet, Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, said: "We are fully booked every night but I'm not sure whether that's anything to do with the guide. I would assume it does attract new customers. It's good to be included in guides ­ only the top 10% of pubs in the country are."

Alison Ward Baptiste, the Toll-gate Inn, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, said: "It's very im-portant for us because we are a destination pub and it helps people who appreciate good food find us. The customers mention the guide quite a lot because they book accommodation through the AA."

Craig Wilkinson, the Bay Horse Inn, Forton, Lancashire, said: "It is one of the top guides for us as we are situated just off the motorway and it brings in a lot of business. It's very well respected and handed out to every AA member."

Which? Pub Guide 2005:

Ben Walton, White Horse, Bridge, Kent, said: "It's hard to judge but I think it does enhance business because it's produced by the Consumers' Association, which produces other well-respected publications like the Good Food Guide. People would favour it over other guides."

Monica Evans, Eagle & Child, Bispham Green, Lancashire, said: "I didn't actually know we were in the Which? Pub guide but I would say being included in these guides is the best way of advertising for pubs, as it brings people in from outside your area."

Giles Webster, Coach & Horses, London, said: "We've had a good review in it, but I'm not sure it's had a good effect yet. It probably will boost business but nobody has mentioned it so far. We will have to wait and see."