Dream on!
National Pubs Week is almost here. While the Campaign for Real Ale has been busy directing people towards their perfect pub in the run up to the week with its pub doctor scheme, for some people their dream pub may only exist inside their heads. Or does it? We asked a selection of industry people to describe what would make their dream pub. Does your pub fit the bill? Let us know at arjf@gurchoyvpna.pbz.
Mike Benner, chief executive, Campaign for Real AleWhere would your ideal pub be?
It would be by the Dorset coast. Just a beautiful and picturesque part of the world.
What beers would your dream pub serve?
I would like to see a range of beer styles. Personally I would enjoy a hoppy, golden ale, along with a light wheat beer for my wife to enjoy.
What sort of food would your pub serve?
- Traditional British cuisine using local ingredients.
What kind of entertainment would it have?
I like a pub that you can have a good conversation in.
Who would you have as licensee?
Michael Parkinson. He is a good listener.
Would smoking be allowed in your pub?
Smoking should be allowed in pubs that have more than one room. The smaller of the rooms can be separate from the main bar for smokers to enjoy.
What might it be called?
I like pubs with names that relate to local history so that you are inspired to learn more about the area.Paul Nunny, director, Cask Marque
Where would your ideal pub be?
Southwold in Suffolk.
What beers would your dream pub serve?
A range of cask ales - choice is more important than individual brands.
What sort of food would your pub serve?
It would depend on what kind of mood I'm in. I think whatever the pub has must be of excellent quality - quality is more important than price.
What kind of entertainment would it have?
None. The customers would be the entertainment. People would go to the pub for the people and what the pub offers.
Who would you have as licensee?
John McKeown, ex-Allied Domecq. A lot of people know him. He'd be perfect, alert and fun.
Would smoking be allowed in your pub?
No, I'd have a total ban.
What might it be called?
The Nelson. There's actually already a pub in Suffolk called the Nelson. You never quite get your ideal pub but a lot of the ingredients are there.
John Grogan, chair, All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group
Where would your ideal pub be?
Near to Headingley Cricket Ground in God's Own County, Yorkshire.
What beers would your dream pub serve?
A range of Yorkshire beers and ales such as Brooklyn Blonde from Brown Cow Brewery in Selby, plus Orval from Belgium, Cusquena from Peru and Chinggis Khan from Mongolia.
What sort of food would your pub serve?
Yorkshire puddings with a variety of fillings.
What kind of entertainment would it have?
Sports and jazz.
Who would you have as licensee?
Geoffrey Boycott and Darren Gough.
Would smoking be allowed in your pub?
No.
What might it be called?
The Cricketers.Rooney Anand, chief executive, Greene KingWhere would your ideal pub be?
Near enough to my house for me to be home in time for tea, but far enough away to allow a welcome break and a walk.
What beers would your dream pub serve?
Our full range of Greene King, Ridleys and Belhaven beers, great wine and top quality coffee.
What sort of food would it serve?
Any sort as long as it's not too fussy and is well prepared using fresh, top quality ingredients.
What kind of entertainment would it have?
My friends supply all my entertainment, but I would also like to watch big Premiership and Championship football matches.
Who would you have as licensee?
Paul Merton.
Would smoking be allowed in your pub?
Smoking would be allowed in a well sheltered, well heated, well lit external facility.
What might it be called?
The Home From Home or the King & I.
Mark Hastings, communications director, British Beer & Pub Association
Where would your ideal pub be?
On the coast, preferably overlooking a beach with big sea views. You can't beat a big horizon and the changing light and moods of a sea view.
What beers would your dream pub serve?
A good range of styles and tastes so you can match your beer to your mood and food. Barstaff would have an enthusiasm and passion for beer.
What sort of food would your pub serve?
Freshly prepared and cooked, locally-sourced seasonal food (with beers as well as wines to go with it)
What kind of entertainment would it have?
I wouldn't want entertainment to get in the way of a good natter. Though for late Friday and Saturday night a jukebox with an eclectic range of tunes or a couple of decks in the corner would be a bonus.
Who would you have as licensee?
Who needs a celebrity? Licensees are local heroes.
Would smoking be allowed in your pub?
Yes, but in a separate area.
What might it be called?
The Hastings Rest!Martyn Gray, S&N Pub Enterprises
Where would your ideal pub be?
Somewhere on the Northumbrian coastline beside Embleton or Beadnell. A beautiful coastline with great beaches,if only someone could sort the weather out…
What beers would your dream pub serve?
Traditional cask ales with Theakston high on the menu. Great range of coffees table-served on the patio overlooking the sea.
What sort of food would it serve?
Good quality English food with plenty of locally caught fish, including Craster kippers.
What kind of entertainment and events, if any, would it have?
A good events programme including golf society and local fishing clubs for example.
Who would you have as licensee?
I wouldn't mind running it myself!
Would smoking be allowed in your pub?
Probably no smoking.
What might it be called?
The Sea Breeze.
Soo Tovee, licensee of the Moors Head, Canterbury, Kent
Where would your ideal pub be set?
Somewhere very picturesque, like North Devon. Somewhere relaxing.
What drinks would your dream pub serve?
It would be a freehouse, and have a variety of real ales and normal beers, a good selection of spirits, not so many alcopops and a variety of soft drinks.
What sort of food would your pub serve?
Traditional "olde worlde" cooking. No cordon bleu. And of course it w
