Revised Firkin chain comes into its own

Spirit Group has decided to open four more new-style Firkins after success trialling the new format at three outlets in London. The Firkin pub-brewery chain, founded by David Bruce in 1979, was later sold to Allied Domecq which continued to roll out the concept, although scores of pubs without breweries were given the Firkin name. They were primarily aimed at the student market and were notable for their bare floorboards But many of the old Firkin pubs were sold to Six Continents Retail two years ago and have since been converted to brands such as It's A Scream, Goose or O'Neills. Spirit's Devco managing director Jo Cumming said the re-vamped and revised Firkin concept was coming into its own. "The Firkins are modern-day pubs designed for people who most definitely take their beer seriously," she said. "Relaxed, non-corporate and inexpensive looking, they offer an alternative to the more high-street-orientated bars springing up everywhere. The feedback from our customers has been hugely positive." Some of the pubs were previously Firkins but others have been different concepts in the past, including Scruffy Murphys. The new Firkins are traditional-style pubs featuring a range of up to six cask ales, including those produced by micro breweries with good quality pub grub.