Local produce market

Where: The Canal Inn, Wrantage, Taunton, Somerset

The idea: When licensee Pedro Aparicio

took over at the Canal three years ago, the pub was in need of some TLC and fresh business ideas. Having a wealth of local produce on the doorstep, Pedro decided

that a local produce market would be a good way to rekindle some interest in the neglected pub.

How it works: On the last Saturday of every month the pub opens its doors - or its

car-park if the weather permits - to about 10 local suppliers who set up a local produce market. Open from 10am until 1pm, the market sells a wide range of produce from fresh fish, local meat and vegetables to

free-range eggs, bread and cakes.

Using the same suppliers for the pub's kitchen has meant increased dinner bookings for the Canal.

"Customers are impressed with produce they buy and meeting the suppliers at the market often tempts them into coming back and having a meal with us," explains Pedro. "Unfortunately, we can't offer food while the market is happening, because the suppliers take up all the space in the pub, but we make quite a bit on drinks," he says.

How promoted: News of the market has spread by word of mouth and it is now a popular social occasion for both locals and visitors who come from further afield.

Top tip: "I don't charge the suppliers for

their table, so everyone wins," says Pedro. "They make more profit and I benefit from a big increase in wet sales."