Pubs urged to make most of summer tourist trade
Pubs have a "great opportunity" this summer to capitalise on the trend for holidaying in this country, according to the chairwoman of enjoyEngland.
Viscountess Penelope Cobham was speaking at the launch event for a new campaign - Inn England - aimed at celebrating traditional pubs and recognising their importance as a tourist attraction.
The campaign, being run by enjoyEngland in partnership with The Publican, will revolve around a website , acting as a one-stop-shop for day-trippers, holiday makers, or for those looking for an afternoon out.
At last night's packed event, held at the Distillers, in Farringdon, London, Viscountess Cobham said: "This is our great opportunity this summer as holidaying in this country is fashionable and more people than ever before have said they going to take their holiday in this country.
"We must ensure collectively that they have a fantastic time - there's value for money and the standards are high."
She highlighted figures showing 70 per cent of Brits holidaying in this country say they are likely to spend time visiting a pub.
She added: "We have many great partnerships and we know the one with The Publican will be a great success."
Later Daniel Pearce, The Publican's managing editor, told guests the death of the pub had been greatly exaggerated.
"There's been an awful lot of nonsense written about the death of the English pub in the last couple of years, but anybody that knows this industry knows that isn't true," he said.
He admitted pubs were "challenged", but many were dreaming up new ways - such as attaching a crazy golf course to their business - to help them continue to thrive.
"We are delighted to be part of this campaign and be working with you in terms of pinpointing the best pubs in the country and giving some practical support to the campaign," he added.
"It's a great extension of what we try to do with our own campaign Proud of Pubs."
The English pub was awarded the title of "outstanding contribution to tourism" at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence last month.
Under the Proud of Pubs campaign, the trophy will be handed over to pubs as part of a year-long "Olympic-style" relay.
The trophy was handed to last night's host venue, the Distillers.
To register your interest in hosting the award email proudofpubs@thepublican.com or call 0207 955 3710 and tell us why you are proud of your pub.
