Greene King 'dragon's den' backs pub poetry and 80s concept
James Sullivan-Tailyour, who runs the Swan Hotel in Bradford-On-Avon, was one of the seven successful tenants in Greene King’s 'Den' contest to find concepts within its estate that could be rolled out.
His ‘poetry on a beer mat’ concept involved poets from around the world submitting verses short enough to fit on a beer mat on a given theme. Ten winners then had their poems printed on beer mats, which were then used as part of a beer trail for customers. Sullivan-Tailyour now intends to work with Greene King to establish regional competitions.
He told the Publican's Morning Advertiser's sister title, the M&C Report: “The company had hired out the actual Dragon’s Den studio and we had to pitch to four senior executives from Greene King. Two of them were really keen and will now work with us to build on what we’ve done.
“We were really proud to get there because I understand there were 80 pitches sent in and only seven were chosen to come to present. It’s great that they are looking across their estate to find what ideas are bubbling under. It’s a boost to us and to them.”
Other concepts being backed by Greene King include Yorkshire-based 80s concept, Maverick’s, which is now set to roll out five more sites.
Maverick's owner Khoa Van said of his proposal: “The 80s theme works because it fills a massive void for the over-25s after 11pm who want to party with like-minded people in a safe, fun environment.
“It was pretty nerve-wracking in the den but I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
The ‘Dragons’ were Clive Chesser, business unit director; Daniel Wilkinson, head of commercial & compliance; Ken Millbanks, group property director; Alex Dawson, business development manager.
Chesser said: “We wanted to give these entrepreneurs, already doing a fantastic job running pubs, a new opportunity to see their ideas come to life, and hopefully have some fun along the way.”
