Caroline Nodder: Banish the post-football blues with Proud of Pubs Week

I was chatting to a few licensees last week who are very excited about the opportunity that the World Cup presents this summer — but are also just as keen to make sure that the post-football blues don't bring their trade down.

As no doubt all good operators are doing, they are planning ahead well in advance for the hangover that sometimes follows a big sporting event like the World Cup. Not only do they have plans to offer regulars special post-Cup meal deals, for example, to get them back through the doors over the rest of July and August, but they are also planning a series of special events to be advertised during the tournament so that new visitors to the pub consider coming back.

This is very shrewd. And indeed it ties in well with this year's Proud of Pubs Week activity.

Now in its fourth year, The Publican's week-long summer festival of pubs is aimed squarely at getting more people into pubs to experience the unique atmosphere they offer.

And this year it falls just after the end of the World Cup - so look no further for an excuse to get all those customers back through your doors for a big old party. Win, lose or (probably not) draw, the England team will be worth a toast or two at a good old-fashioned knees-up to celebrate everything that is so great about pubs.

We are delighted to have Marston's Pedigree on board supporting the Week this year. And we have also brewed a special Proud of Pubs Summer Ale, which will be available through the usual channels for pubs wanting to have it on their bars during the event.

All profits we make from the sale of the beer will be donated to charity WaterAid, which provides safe drinking water for thousands of people in developing countries.

Of course, our beer will be flowing at the Publican team's own Proud of Pubs party on July 19 at Publican Awards Pub of the Year the Wiremill in Surrey. We hope you will all help us launch the event by simultaneously hosting parties at pubs across the land. As a bit of fun on the night we will also be hosting a Guinness World Record attempt for the most beer-mats flipped.

And if you are not able to hold your own party you are more than welcome to come along to ours - email proudofpubs@thepublican.com for a free ticket.

Or you could take part in some of our other activities during the week including inviting your local MP along to your pubs to see what your business means to your community.

Last year more than 100 MPs went down to their locals during Proud of Pubs Week and we expect many more to take up the offer this year.

We will be producing Proud of Pubs banners, T-shirts, beermats and badges, so if you want to get involved email us at the above address - and we would also love to hear all about what you have planned.