Sawday's: community pub focus is key

The editor of Alastair Sawday's Pubs & Inns of England & Wales guide said successful food pubs are those focusing on catering for their local communities.

David Hancock said: "Licensees are working hard to keep adapting their offer and drawing communities back into their pubs with events and facilities. A few years ago many gastropubs completely focused on food, but community appeal has become important again."

He cited the Cadeleigh Arms in Cadeleigh, Devon, one of three of the guide's Community Pub Award winners as a great example. The pub hosts art classes, 'moules and frites nights' and a village theatre group.

The new edition of the guide, published this week, features 930 pubs — with 85 new entries — including 40 new sites with rooms. Pubs pay from £445 to £595 to have their rooms inspected but aren't included or are removed if the accommodation doesn't meet the high standards of the guide.

Hancock said letting rooms are still a key source of revenue for licensees and their addition was key to the survival of many pubs.

He said: "Its surprising how many licensees are upgrading rooms. Guests staying help drive a higher spend per head on drinks."