French invasion boosts pub's trade

While most pubs have to work hard to drive trade during January, handing the business over to a team of chefs and waiters from France is a solution few will have considered.

However, that is exactly what's happened at the Unicorn in Cublington, Bucks.

For the past 11 days, the pub has been run by Eric Arnaud and his team from Les Aubergistes hotel in Marsanne, France. The visitors were invited by the pubs owner, Steve George, and have bought a definite Gallic flavour to the traditional village pub.

The two visiting chefs, Luis and Benjamin, have cooked more than 800 freshly-prepared meals. Eric has served all the food to customers himself, while barman Denis has poured more than 1,000 beers and uncorked 250 litres of Cote du Rhone. Customers have eaten 300 loaves of French bread.

"It has been the most amazing period in the pubs history," said Steve. "The pub has been packed almost every night and very often at lunchtime as well. - In January at any pub this is unusual and in the current economic and weather climate, it is exceptional.

"On the Friday and Saturday evenings, where we have accompanied the great food with traditional jazz, it has been impossible to fit everyone in."

The Unicorn's staff have worked alongside the Frecnh team, and picked up some service tips. These will be reinforced during a return visit to France, part of an on-going training programme which will see the two businesses exchange staff.

The event concluded with a farewell meal and French Quiz.