This year’s finalists are:
Kuckoo
This five-strong bar chain offers something different for its customers - cocktails and rock tunes.
Founded by Preston-born entrepreneur Richard Powell, the original bar opened on Fox Street, Preston in 2010. The business has continued to expand and now has five bars in Preston, Chester, Sheffield, Knutsford, and the latest in Warrington.
Bartenders serve high quality cocktails, with a theatre of service, while the rock and roll soundtracks entertain.
The chain continues to innovate with its drinks offer and has also added beer to its range as well as lower ABV Cocktails.
Rocktails are focused on customers that are looking for a lower alcohol intake but with the same flair. These offer a 35ml shot instead of the usual 50ml with light refreshing flavours such as the Electric ice tea and Purple Rain.
On its mainstream list there is a wide range of cocktails including the Rainbow Road (Kuckoo Rainbow vodka, watermelon, apricot & passionfruit, fresh lime juice rainbows) to Tinkerbell’s Tutu (Stoli Citrus Vodka, Chambord Framboise, French Lemon and Lime Juices with Cranberry Juice and Fairy Dust).
This year has seen diversification of the business. Its Bottomless Brunch, which serves unlimited cocktails and Neopolitan Pizza between 3pm to 5pm on Saturday afternoons, priced at £30, is proving to be a sell-out winner. While its Backstage Pass, which offers its full cocktail menu and classic cocktails anytime any day for £30 has also been a popular initiative.
Kuckoo also runs cocktail masterclasses which offer high energy and hands on fun. Bartenders guide customers through making their favourite cocktails while they can sing along to the rock tunes.
Incipio Group
Innovative London-based operator Incipio has seven sites in the capital all offering something different.
The company operates to “create beautiful spaces with vibrant atmospheres for great times.”
Sites include The Libertine, situated in the vaults underneath The Royal Exchange; The 411, the bar with a New York City vibe; The Prince, a pub, kitchen and lively beer garden in West London; The Palm House, in Victoria that has the spirit of Miami’s 1930s clubhouse scene; Pergola on the Wharf, the bar with panoramic views over Canary Wharf’s north dock; Pergola Brixton, the rooftop bar with DJs, drinks and dancing and Dear Grace, the stylish neighbourhood bar and eatery.
Customer research has shaped its approach across the estate with experiential activations being a major focus.
Whether its Pergola Lates, its initiative that provides named Dj’s, Live Sax at Canary Wharf’s largest roof terrace. Or its Wall Street Wednesdays, where the menu becomes a live stock market with prices rising and falling upon popularity. The stock market is interactive with actors playing the roles of Wall Street bankers, large stock screens, market crashes, money guns and sirens.
There is also Wunderbar, its experiential Oktoberfest activation with marching Oompah bands, Steins, Lederhosens and Bavarian fare.
And there is FFW its interactive and lively sing a long game show or After Dark, the Friday night R&B night in the 800 capacity Prince Garden.
There is a strong training ethos within the group where the passions of team members are encouraged. They are also able to be involved in their Spirit, Beer and Wine Guru programmes.
Laine Pub Co
Laine has 55 sites in its portfolio with late-night being a major focus within the businesses.
There are 33 sites in Brighton, and a further 22 across London and Birmingham, as well as a brewery. The business is an indirectly owned subsidiary of Punch Pubs & Co.
Whether it’s a late-night Irish pub with live music, or leading DJs bringing that party vibe or that late-night cocktail bar – there is a late-night experience for everyone.
The company has focused on customer loyalty introducing its PUBBL app which is proving successful in engaging its customers. It has also proved to be a game changer for its operators connecting them with their communities through personalised offers and promotions, driving footfall and repeat visits.
Despite the challenges faced by the late-night sector Laine continues to invest in its sites and upgrade facilities.
The safety of customers and staff are also a focus with full training given on welfare and vulnerability.
Inclusivity is at the heart of its company ethos, with the company championing diversity and individuality. It considers its venues more than pubs but hubs that create connection and belonging.
The company has a policy of nurturing talent across the business. Training is a major focus with personalised development provided to empower operators while its Rise Career Pathway offers a real opportunity for development and promotion. It also focuses on internal succession planning offering career progression for those working within the pub company.
Pubs are operated on partnership agreement with each pub imbued with the personality of the team.
