Pub prospers from travel offer

The Bell at Alderminster in Warwickshire has branched out into the travel trade by offering its customers wine tasting package tours to France.

Mike Hirst and Keith Brewer, bar manager and licensee respectively, hit upon the idea when they became re-acquainted with an old friend who had opened a wine shop across the Channel.

Guy Boursot previously worked for wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd in London and the Boursot family has been involved with the wine industry stretching back over 350 years.

After visiting the Boursots shop in Ardres, Northern France, Hirst and Brewer thought that Bell customers would jump at the chance to learn from their friend. Bell customers had already responded positively to the work the pair had put into building up the pub's wine list.

Hirst said: "The aim isn't to make Tastevin Tours heavy - we want to make it light hearted but educational and fun. We are taking it up to about 25 so it's intimate and everybody gets the attention - any more than that and people don't get attention.

"The first one we did broke even, which is good. If we can get 20 to 25 people it would be profitable and very enjoyable."

The first tour took place earlier this month and The Bell also plans a £250 two-day wine-tasting tour next month, which also includes accommodation in St Omar, lunch and a gourmet dinner.

A third day-trip 'booze cruise' tour is planned in December costing £99 per person, which is aimed at those wanting to stock up on wine before Christmas.