Bruges offers tour de force
Retail study tours play a vital role in deepening trade knowledge. Yet all too often, cynics dismiss them as fun-filled frolics that quickly degenerate into over-indulgence and hedonism.
Crystal-clear about its own direction, the Pub Industry Suppliers Society was formed recently - and set off last weekend to the town of Bruges in Belgium in pursuit of beer, beer, food and fellowship. And beer.
The Society - aka the Pub Industry Suppliers Society Useful Pilgrimage - met its aims brilliantly: levels of Belgium's amber and cherry-red nectar were reduced to national-alert levels as our pub pilgrims exhaustively explored Bruges' thriving retail scene.
Led magnificently by society president Trevor Upton, formerly of Greenalls, and organised to perfection by Fleurets' Bob Whittle, the 13-strong party committed themselves to more than 60 hours of concentrated degustation. Bruges bar owners and restaurateurs must be contemplating an earlier, more comfortable retirement than had ever seemed possible.
Snifter afiçionados will welcome their observance of finest Brits Abroad rituals, including handkies knotted on heads and discotheque embarrassment. The worst traditions - those we export from our town-centre circuits - were left firmly at home.
Discussions over the weekend ranged widely - and wildly. But hazy recollections suggest that Alan Bowes, Nick Bish, the ALMR and the affable lady guide from De Halve Maan brewery were to the fore. And a reliable cure for baldness emerged - Swarfega applied liberally to the scalp. Green Swarfega, that is - never blue.
Other trade luminaries making up the diligent group of pub ambassadors were society vice-president Barry Gillham, Paul Newby from Fleurets, society treasurer Graham Page from AC Niel-sen, Will Evans of Barracuda, accountant David Jones, Glen Beer of Marlborough Leisure, John Sugden of Sovereign Inns, Iain Jackson from UPC and Dennis Nudd from Woodforde's Brewery.
And of course, two trade publishing giants - David Goulthorpe and Snifter.
The next Pub Industry Suppliers Society pub tour has yet to be decided - for dates, check the annual ALMR conference schedule.
