Pub Bitch: Bridget Simmons, Brigit Symmons or Brigid Simmonds?
Slapstick politics
Marston's Pub Company boss Alistair 'Cuddly' Darby was given a robust introduction to the rough and tumble of politics at the BIS committee hearing last week — and not just via the grilling he got from Labour MP and Parliamentary pit-bull Lindsay Hoyle. Standing in the corridor outside the Wilson Room where he was to give evidence to MPs on the pub industry's 'move to improve', Darby was almost knocked onto his backside by a besuited man who elbowed his way through those waiting to enter the room. "Out of the way! Don't block the corridor!", the man bellowed, nearly knocking a flustered Darby to the floor. Welcome to Westminster Al.
Slipp of the tounge
More on the BIS shindig: the controversy over what BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds did and didn't know about certain pubcos deducting 'fines' from lessees' bank accounts via direct debit was followed by Fair Pint pointing at what it claims is evidence the BBPA's campaign to cut beer duty was all about boosting pubco profits. "Bridget Simmonds' response to the research undertaken on behalf of the BBPA about the tax burden on the industry has exposed the motivation behind [its] campaigning on tax," purred Fair Pint's Karl Harrison. "I'm not sure if [her] admission that her real interest is in the profits of brewers is a new tactic from Mrs Simmonds or yet another slip of her tongue." Ouch. Oh, and by the way boys, she spells her name Brigid. Not Bridget.
'Parties are fun' shocker
Pubs are picking up festive trade in the recession apparently, as companies eschew posh eateries for a more down-to-earth experience over the Christmas period. I hope this is going to continue in the run-up to the Big Day, and it seems the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) agrees with me. In a recent survey the CMI found two thirds of managers believe Christmas parties are important to help improve employee engagement, although more than half of respondents said an expensive bash "could damage their reputation…a team lunch is better than an organisation-wide party". In the pub, one hopes…
Raise a glass to the Welsh
Young's, Geronimo Inns and Fuller's have all said it, now it's official: London is among the best places to run a pub operation. UK TV channel Blighty surveyed people's drinking habits and those living in the capital [nearly] came out on top for propping up the bar. Londoners visit the pub an average 3,742 times in their lifetimes, versus drinkers in the East Midlands, who 'only' go to the boozer 2,622 times during their lives. But the biggest drinkers in the UK, at least according to the survey are… the Welsh, who visit the pub on average a whopping 3,998 times.
Staff grin and bare it
Top marks to the Miller's Cottage, a pub in Gravesend, Kent, on a mission to raise money for the nearby EllenorLions Hospices. Activities including sponsored dousings in buckets of beans (nice) and male waxings (not so nice) have culminated in that old favourite, the nude
calendar featuring the pub's staff. Organised by licensee Glynis Kean, months have been sponsored by regulars to the tune of £100 each, helping raise more than £6,500 . Fair do's too to the 12 ladies who (mostly) bared all, especially the delightful 'Miss April', who, let's face it, must have harboured concerns about that dart…
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