Business boosters
Ideas for driving food sales at your pub
Champagne meal deals
Where: Granville @ Barford, Barford, Warwickshire
The idea: Champagne has always been popular at the Granville, so when owner Val Kersey extended the pub's opening hours and food serving times, she decided to capitalise on the demand and broaden her market for the top-drawer tipple by introducing a number of Champagne meal deals. "Champagne has, in the past, been consumed largely by women between the ages of 30 and 60. By introducing a special offer and incorporating a sandwich, I'm hoping to attract a much wider audience," Kersey explains.
How it works: A sum of £9.95 buys customers one of the pub's doorstep sandwiches or a cream tea, plus a glass of Garnier champagne. To maximise uptake, Kersey was careful to select a Champagne that would appeal to a wide audience. "Our wine supplier, Dorjé's Wine Company, found us a fantastic drinking Champagne from Epernay, at the heart of the Champagne region. It's middle
of the road, not too dry and not
too sweet, and is so drinkable
that it appeals to a wide taste range," she explains.
Business benefit: The Champagne meal deals are available throughout the day, seven days a week, and are proving to be very popular. "They have been available since May and will run until the autumn, or even beyond, if the demand is there," says Kersey. She has also extended the Champagne promotion to Friday nights by offering Garnier champagne at a reduced rate. Those in need of a Friday-night treat can buy a bottle for £24.99 or glass for £4.25 (normal prices are £28.50 and £4.99).
Top tip on making the idea work: Make sure there's a market for your idea and ensure the offer represents value for money.
