Better food will help with the effects of a smoking ban

Better quality food and a more diverse menu will help pubs combat the "assault" of the smoking ban and licensing reform, according to a new report seen exclusively by The Publican.

However, higher consumer expectations and increased competition will put more pressure on pubs to raise their game than any changes in the law, warns Pub Catering, published by Mintel.

The pub is still consumers' favourite place to eat out, with the market worth £6.4bn a year. Mintel's surveyed 2000 people, with 80 per cent saying they eat in pubs. While 38 per cent of those who eat in pubs say the quality of food has increased over recent years, 37 per cent say better quality food would encourage them to eat more.

As a result, while pubs are "under assault" from the smoking ban and the impact of licensing reform, the main pressure come from "consumers whose lifestyle changes need to be reflected in the pub's goods and services".

Sourcing of ingredients will be key to improving pubs' food offer, with consumer looking for more locally and regionally sourced ingredients. Pubs will also be expected to add 'home-made' touches such as fresh bread, chutneys and sauces to standard dishes.

Around 20 per cent of consumers also said they would be enticed into pubs which offered breakfast or morning coffee. In busy urban areas, Mintel sees scope for pubs to take trade from the traditional café market. It also warns that while the pub food market will continue to grow, consumers pockets are not bottomless - "there may be price wars if too many pubs chase the same local eating out market."