East and West Midlands
Fountain Inn
Clent, Worcestershire
A decision to provide customers with al-fresco dining and drinking facilities is playing a major role in boosting business at the flourishing Fountain Inn at Clent. Union Pub Company lessees Richard and Jacque Macey hit the jackpot when they came up with the idea to cater for an extra 60 visitors by maximising the picturesque outlet's front patio.
Planning permission was granted to
develop the patio into a heated all-weather dining area to lift the pub's earning potential without expanding the building - something Richard and Jacque are unable to do because of conservation regulations.
Not just for smokers
"It has been absolutely superb for us," says Richard, who stresses: "It's not just a smoking area - we're using it as an extra room and an extra earning area."
The Fountain, which has been a non-smoking establishment for more than 18 months, has benefited from a number of other changes during the past year, which have helped increase turnover by 25% and profit by 40%.
Healthy food options have been added to the menu with an ever-widening choice on the wine list. An informative menu of speciality bottled beers and cask ale has also proved a success with customers
Training is a priority
Rigorous staff training, however, is always sky high on the Fountain's priority list.
Jacque says: "We have put a further four members of staff through cellar courses, to guarantee consistency with well-kept beers, and the National Certificate for Personal
Licence Holders (NCPLH).
"The new NCPLH qualifications have increased the confidence of staff members. They no longer feel embarrassed to question customers for identification, as they understand the implications of the law and the
necessity to dispense drinks responsibly."
Staff hold the key
She adds: "With continual investment in our business, we hope to give customers an experience that is second-to-none. But most importantly, while we are the driving force of the business, our staff members are the ones who make it work."
