Pub promises the earth

How many pubs can boast their own solar panel, providing more than half their annual hot water needs? Brighton's Earth & Stars can make that claim.

It also claims to be one of Brighton's most eco-friendly pubs - possibly even Britain's.

Since taking on the pub six years ago Brighton pubco Zelgrain has developed it into every green-conscious pub-goer's dream venue.

In addition to the solar panel, the pub recycles all its waste using a private firm and is carbon balanced. This means its carbon footprint is compensated for by the planting of an equivalent area of forest in Uganda.

Organic lagers​

The pub also boasts a menu of organic lagers, ciders, wines and spirits and vegetarian food options. Alongside more regular drinks are Vintage Western Cider, Freedom lager and an array of organic wines.

But back to the pub's solar panel - how does it work exactly? It functions on a simple principle.

When the sun is out, water is pumped through the solar panel and heated by solar energy.

The heated water then flows through a heat exchanger, warming the water stored in the hot water cylinder. It is estimated that solar hot water systems can cut energy bills by around 20 per cent per year.

The pub's manager Marjo Brault appreciates the positive effect that the technology has, but admits that it is now taken for granted. "Obviously it's good from an environmental aspect, but it's just something we have got used to," she says.

She acknowledges that the pub's green credentials are a unique selling point. "It definitely makes the place something special and attracts all sorts of people," she explains.

"Our customer base is very eclectic - locals, students and, of course, quite a few vegetarians. They all seem to appreciate what we are doing here. As far as we know, we have no real competition on our green credentials."

It has also sparked interest from other businesses, says Marjo. "Someone came in a couple of weeks ago who was thinking of opening an organic pub in Manchester and they were asking me all about this place. "I really don't think there are many places like ours in England."

Southern Solar, the company that installed the system for Zelgrain, admits solar panels have yet to take off among pubs. But Peter Grech from the company believes that if fuel prices continue to spiral, they could become a more realistic proposition.

"Certainly if it's a small independent pub committed to green principles it could be an attractive option," he says.

Gavin George, managing director of Zelgrain, is proud that his company has been the frontrunner for introducing these initiatives into the trade.

"When we started off we were trying to have a blueprint for a pub that was ethically sound. All the 32 pubs in our estate are now carbon neutral," he says.

Worth the effort​

Having run an eco-friendly pub would Marjo recommend it to other licensees? "It's definitely worth the effort," she says. "I don't think it's something that's just seen as a fashion thing anymore, it's becoming vital. And in the long term, it's definitely worth the money."

- Is the Earth & Stars the most environmentally friendly pub in Britain? Let us know otherwise, email jamesw@thepublican.com