Entertainment

Interactive strategy: whether you do so with a game of darts or computer games, keep ’em entertained

Ready player one: how have pub games evolved?

By Gary Lloyd

In the past, a drink and a game of dominoes was all a pub had to do to keep a regular’s custom. Now the bar is set much higher and the expected experience is key.

Inn on the act: The Coach & Horses will stage a play starring television actor Robert Bathurst (image: Tom Howard)

Soho pub to stage play amid battle over lease

By Emily Hawkins

A London pub will stage a play about a past patron to celebrate the site’s cultural presence as part of a campaign against Fuller’s plans to take back the lease.

A wind up: pub operators have reacted angrily to news of a new music tariff from the PPL

Operators livid over £49m music fee hike

By Stuart Stone

The announcement that, as of 1 July, a Specially Featured Entertainment (SFE) licence will be, on average, 130% more expensive has been branded ‘stupid’ and ‘ridiculous’ by incensed publicans.

Reel to reel: Tips on keeping gaming machines in pubs

Licensing Hub – Legal with Poppleston Allen

'What happens if an under-18 uses my gambling machine?'

By Poppleston Allen

Many pub and club operators holding premises licences under the Licensing Act 2003 operate gaming machines within their premises, often under a notification for two machines or a Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permit (LPGMP).

Children in pubs: The Morning Advertiser's editor, Ed Bedington, gives his thoughts on the 'age-old debate of children in pubs'

Opinion

Those young 'uns are your future

By Ed Bedington

The Morning Advertiser's editor, Ed Bedington, gives his thoughts on the 'age-old debate of children in pubs'.

Pooches and punters: DogBuddy has launched its third annual Dog-friendly Pub Awards

What makes a pub dog friendly?

By Emily Hawkins

Startup DogBuddy has launched its third annual Dog-friendly Pub Awards, with organisers encouraging pubs to open their doors to canine friends.

Independent operator: the Cross Keys in Somerset will

Pub declares independence from the UK

By Stuart Stone

The owners of Somerset pub the Cross Keys Inn at Lydford-on-Fosse have written to Prime Minister Theresa May to let her know they intend to secede from the United Kingdom.

God save the Queen: drag shows are hot right now for business, so putting on some glam and glitz could provide a sweet cash source

Should your pub host a drag show?

By Phil Mellows

Drag queens are in vogue, seriously in vogue if the excitement around RuPaul’s Drag Race is anything to go by. Here’s how pubs are already wowing customers with nights that shine bright enough to rival the crown jewels

Farewell: Chalk Farm's iconic Lock Tavern is set to change hands at the end of this month. (Image: Ewan Munro, Flickr)

Iconic Camden music venue changes hands

By Emily Hawkins

Famous Camden venue the Lock Tavern is set to change hands at the end of this month, with new owners pledging that the pub will continue its showcasing of live music.

Star treat: spa day for the hard-working female licensees

Female licensees receive Star treatment

By Emily Hawkins

Star Pubs & Bars treated some of its top female licensees to a spa day as a reward for their hard work in a historically male-dominated industry.

Millennial appeal: could Love Island themed events help pubs target a younger audience?

Can pubs cash in on Love Island?

By Stuart Stone

Reality TV show Love Island has taken the nation by storm, with viewing figures peaking at close to 4m people in 2018 despite regular clashes with the World Cup.

Grapple fan: Tom Canning AKA Jethro Roose, has picked up prizes for his performances inside and outside the ring

Landlord is king of the ring

By Stuart Stone

The Morning Advertiser spoke to the operator of an award-winning pub who can be found between the wrestling ropes when he’s not behind the bar.

Get in the game: Whyte outlined an opportunity for pubs to take advantage of esports.

Maximising Sport in Pubs

Can pubs cash in on esports?

By Stuart Stone

The fourth speaker at The Morning Advertiser’s 2018 Maximising Sport in Pubs conference – head of esports and gaming at Goat agency and CEO of Edge esports, Adam Whyte – looked at how pubs can embrace gaming and e-sports and tap into the Millennial market....

When parents bring their children to the pub, it is crucial you take the heat off the adults for a while and play equipment can give a real point of difference to your rivals

Everything to play for: pub play equipment

By Georgina Townshend

The benefits of a beautifully designed pub playground not only keep children occupied for longer – and therefore parents happy – but can also help drive footfall and repeat custom

Whether it's a music festival or a fun day for children, outdoor events can make a huge difference at your premises

Summer lovin': Planning your outdoor event

By Georgina Townshend

Make your garden sing by putting on spectacular outdoor events with advice from pubs that have made it their business to put on a successful show

Game on: The VR Concept and Lost Rivers will open central London's first virtual reality arcade in a new site

New Lost Rivers pub home to first VR gaming arcade

By Stuart Stone

Lost Rivers Brewing Co has teamed up with The VR Concept to launch central London’s only multiplayer virtual reality arcade, Gameboxx and Bar, within the brewer’s new Lost Rivers Elephant site.

It's in the game: How pubs can tap into esports

How pubs can tap into the world of esports

By Georgina Townshend

From hosting local competitive games to streaming big finals, tapping into the world of esports could be the next big thing for pub entertainment.

'Forced out': one of Covent Garden's oldest music venues faces eviction from developers

Eviction threat for award-winning music venue

By Stuart Stone

The Roadhouse, one of the oldest live music venues in Covent Garden, London, faces eviction if planning permission is given to developers looking to revamp the site.

All the bar's a stage: pub theatre can entice a wider audience to your premises

Pub drama: theatre can pull in the crowds

By Fiona McLelland

Drama in your pub is not always a bad thing, particularly if you’re putting on a theatre production. Here are some pubs that have made a success of the stage business and advice that could lead you to get your act together

Casual gaming: harnessing the fun of computer gaming can offer pubs the chance to turn a profit

How can pubs make the most of eSports?

By Stuart Stone

Since May 2014, IT engineer Tino Moreno, founder of FifaPub, has been organising and hosting pub-based tournaments using EA Sports’ football title.

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