Shropshire pub doubles its turnover

A Shropshire pub has doubled its turnover in six months by introducing a 99p 'credit crunch' menu.

Bar lunch covers at the Duke of York in Oakengates, near Telford, have grown from zero to more than fifty on some week days, attracting many new faces, in particular women.

Licensee Ian Barton and his partner, Julie Albert, introduced food last October, and where nearby pubs had either closed or been offered for sale, the Duke of York has increased turnover from £5,000 a week to more than £10,000 a week.

The big attraction in the food offer is dishes like fish, chips & mushy peas and sausage, bacon, egg, beans & chips for 99p. A third dish, battered chicken & chips, has just been introduced at the same price.

"We are using the cheap meals as a come-on and they have helped to build the wet trade whilst bringing bodies through the door and creating a great atmosphere," said Ian. "Food accounts for around 10% of our total turnover so the new service is a huge success."

The Duke of York is one of a number of Newport Pub Company outlets to have introduced 'credit crunch' menus, developed by Midlands's regional frozen food wholesaler, MKG Foods.