Retail therapy working at the Priory

Sales at the Priory Arms in Stockwell - representing community pubs in Sell More, Save more - are currently running an average 12 per cent up on last year.

In a trading climate where many pubs are having to run to stand still, that's a pretty impressive performance.

Graham Bulpett, who was managing the pub last year before taking over the lease in spring, says: "I'm getting closer to where I want to be - but there's still a lot of things I want to do!"

Graham's worked hard to put at the pub at the heart of its South London community, appealing to local people with initiatives as diverse as events for a local running club, and an art exhibition featuring local artists.

The renovated upstairs function room, with seating for 60 people is now a key focus of the business.

Graham says that one of the learnings of Sell More, Save More so far has been the importance of creating a professional impression.

The EPoS system supplied by Sell More, Save More EPoS champion Mission Integrated Systems, has made a real difference with this. But, of course, the system has also helped give Graham keep better control over everything going on at the pub.

"The till system has turned us from looking like a back-street pub into a really professional operation," he says.

"It's brilliant - what it doesn't tell you isn't worth knowing. And it cuts out mistakes."

The system has also helped Graham make some informed choices - and has also proven flexible enough to allow him to download his daily changing food menu every day.

Graham also enjoyed the recent visit of Dan Unwin from cellar services champion Innserve, who was able to point out some simple and easy ways to save energy - and money - across the business.

A series of beer festivals is currently being lined up at the pub in December to help boost trade further.