Self-pour pints trial begins in Britain
Trials of the Diageo-backed customer self-pour system, used widely across pubs in Ireland and the US, have begun in Britain.
Draft Master, which lets customers pour beer themselves from fonts on tables, is being trialled at Hickory's Smokehouse in Chester, Cheshire, with plans to roll it out further.
The technology is the same used by Diageo's Pour Your Own system in Ireland. Ellickson UK, rather than Diageo itself, is marketing the product in Britain as Draft Master.
The Morning Advertiser understands that discussions are on-going with major pub operators about stocking the system in Britain.
The self-pour taps are on specially-designed mobile tables with kegs attached.
Staff can switch the systems on and off from behind the bar and digital displays allow customers to monitor how much they have consumed. Payment is made at the end, although there is also a pre-pay option.
The UK launch is at an early stage, but Ellickson UK is in talks with major brewers about incorporating their brands.
In Ireland the brands used are Guinness and Carlsberg, which Diageo distributes and markets in the Republic.
Draft Master is currently being trialled in a room used for private parties at Hickory's Smokehouse, which is known for its live sports screenings.
Guinness and Amstel can be accessed from the taps.
General manager Mark Rogers said: "It's been absolutely brilliant.
"We get a group sitting around the table and they don't have to miss any of the sport by going to the bar.
"It's certainly created a bit of a buzz."
In October the MA reported 500 Pour Your Own tables have been fitted to 220 venues in Dublin.
"We are confident the Draft Master will be as successful in the UK as it is in Ireland and the USA," said Ellickson UK operations director Phil Atkinson.
