InBrief
De Bretton buys Guy Fawkes Hotel
The Yorkshire-based de Bretton Group has bought the Guy Fawkes Hotel in High Petergate, York, with plans to turn it into a gastropub. The multi-million pound deal is expected to see the venue named the Guy Fawkes Inn. Twelve rooms are to be added and eight chefs employed.
Thwaites rolls out Wainwright Ale
Daniel Thwaites is rolling out a beer in honour of renowned Lancashire legend Alfred Wainwright. Wainwright Ale is becoming a permanent addition to the Daniel Thwaites range after being a seasonal beer. It is billed as a refreshing, straw-coloured beer and was included in the national ale festival at Mitchells & Butlers' Ember Inns outlets.
Three-month ban for violent thug
Magistrates have banned a man from a pub for just three months after he punched the host. Duncan Ritchie, of Gibbet Street, Halifax, admitted threatening behaviour and assault at Calderdale Magistrates Court. He received a 12-month community order, was ordered to pay £60 costs and £50 compensation to host John White and excluded from his pub, the Golden Lion in Halifax.
Soap star attacks the British pub
An EastEnders actor has launched an astonishing attack on the British pub - blaming it for a drop in the show's viewing figures. Charlie Clements, who plays Bradley Branning in the BBC soap, said: "I think the bad ratings came in the summer when everyone wanted to go to the pub instead of watch TV." EastEnders' pulled just four million viewers in a May episode, its lowest ever.
Greene King wins visitors award
Greene King's visitors centre has been commended in the Best Small Attraction category at the BBC Radio Suffolk awards. The Bury St Edmunds site offers tours, a free museum, tutored tastings and monthly beer and food evenings. It receives 10,000 visits a year.
Barracuda reveals VCard sales rise
Barracuda has revealed a 30% year-on-year increase in sales of its VCard loyalty card for its Varsity bars since its launch in September. Food sales also jumped 25%. More than 230,000 cards have been sold. Cards offer deals including 25% off some drinks and discounts on products from high street and online retailers.
