Disappointing World Cup start for pubs
Cheap supermarket beer deals, good weather and a drop in food trade meant England's first World Cup game against USA was not the big draw pubs had hoped for.
A Morning Advertiser survey of 171 pubs across the country revealed that 59% were less busy than they expected with 60% blaming the raft of cheap deals available in the supermarkets.
A total of 94% of respondents showed the football with over a quarter (25.6%) reporting a drop in turnover compared to a regular Saturday.
The match had a negative effect on food sales with 84% either reporting sales flat or down.
"The match meant everybody was at home so the usual 50 covers in the restaurant became 10, so down about £800 and the bar with the match on was about the same as a normal Saturday night," said Tom Moran from the Courtfield Arms in Lydbrook, Gloucestershire.
Nick Stanton of the Fox & Hounds Restaurant and Bar in Wakefield added: "Our restaurant was at 50% of normal capacity. We had slightly more people in drinking but in no way did this compensate as less busy on lower margin sales."
John Wilsher of the Black Dog in Southam, Warwickshire said: "Budgen's across the road was selling cases of beer at £8 all day. Saw loads of people with carry-out cases. One local bar was also doing offers, which as we understand it were banned in the last Government's alcohol reforms."
Roaring success
However, 56.5% did record some uplift in turnover while 6% more than doubled trade as England played out a disappointing 1-1 draw.
Peter Compton, Scottish & Newcastle Pub Company tenant at the Bloomsbury in Twickenham, more than doubled trade. "The food slumped but we did do a half-time barbecue for people with burgers and hot dogs.
"We also have an outside screen that S&N paid for. They have really supported us. The supermarkets are obviously a big issue for pubs but we have to concentrate on what we do well. There is nothing like the atmosphere in the pub and I wish people would realise that.
"It is about good beer, served cold in a nice clean glass with good service and a bit of a laugh."
David Pott, Shepherd Neame tenant at the Market Inn, Faversham, increased trade 300% on the day — all locals. "Saturday we began to fill from about 4.30, we were packed by about 6.30. Our 250 watt PA system that is usually plenty loud enough at about half volume was drowned out at full chat."
He added: "But I think this is like Christmas trade, over the quarter I doubt if there will be any lift in trade."
Unsurprisingly, the best selling drink was lager, according to 76%, followed by ale (18%) and cider (4%).
