Cask Marque launches search facility for accredited pubs

Drinkers will soon be able to search for their nearest pubs whose beer quality has been accredited by Cask Marque via mobile phones and sat navs.

Consumers will be able to send a text and receive a reply with the names and locations of the nearest two Cask Marque-accredited pubs, or download software to SatNavs that will direct them to accredited pubs.

Cask Marque is aiming to launch the initiatives around August, as part of plans to raise the profile of the Cask Marque scheme.

The organisation also said it plans to revamp its website to feature a pub search facility, to take stands promoting Cask Marque at consumer shows such as The BBC Good Food Show, and to roll out more point of sale material to pubs.

It came as a survey conducted on behalf of Cask Marque revealed growing consumer awareness of Cask Marque. Forty-six per cent of the 2,043 members of the public surveyed said they had seen the Cask Marque plaque in pubs - up from 32 per cent in 2007. Fifteen per cent also replied that they were aware of Cask Ale Week, the initiative organised by Cask Marque for the first time over the Easter period.

Cask Marque director Paul Nunny said: "We have to continue to invest in awareness of Cask Marque. A 19 per cent surge in accreditations last year helped drive awareness, and that in turn helped drive footfall to the pubs."