Pubs say food's a flop during footy
The welcome boost in drinks sales during the World Cup has not been matched by increased food takings in most pubs, according to a Publican poll.
A very convincing 90 per cent of licensees responding to a survey on ThePublican.com said that the World Cup had not helped food sales in their pub.
Many pub groups and food suppliers had encouraged the trade to offer hand-held snack food alongside drinks during matches as a way of increasing sales.
While many pubs seem to have ignored the advice and taken the traditional approach of shutting down the kitchen during big games, those that that have adapted their menu have seen the benefits.
At the Rising Sun pub in Willington, Derbyshire, Mandy Harrison, who runs the pub with lessee Hazel Nicholson, said: "People certanly don't come to dine during games - it's too noisy - but we've sold plenty of burgers and hot dogs to customers watching the football. A fair number have also stayed on to eat after the game."
John Taylor, co-lessee of the Punch Tavern in Fleet Street, said he believed pubs had missed out on trade by not offering food. The Punch, which won the Catering Pub of the Year title at the Publican Awards, has been selling tickets for matches at £25, which includes food and drinks.
"We invested in two big screens at £700 each for the tournament," said John. "We could have just opened up as normal, and we'd have been rammed - but with customers who only had one or two pints during the game and then left.
"Instead, we've filled all our tables with customers who have eaten and drank, and have had real value for money. It's tested our resources, but the extra trade has been well worth it."
Poll results figures were correct at the time this article was posted.
