East & West Midlands

The Greyhound

Hinckley, Leicestershire

At the Greyhound, Howard and Sue Williams are winning the generation game by catering successfully for the needs of customers' grateful families.

Their policy is paying off handsomely, with children of all ages flocking to use the Marston's Pub Company outlet's popular "Kidzone" facilities.

Plenty to do

Various attractions include a bouncy castle, Wendy house, multi-deck soft play area, ball pits, slides and climbing equipment.

About £27,000 has been spent on the facilities, which also feature a couple of video game machines and a large plasma television showing Walt Disney DVDs and children's programmes.

Babies' needs are catered for - small wooden toys, high chairs and a nappy change area are available.

High family count

The "Kidzone" was originally Howard's brainchild, but Sue quips: "It was his baby - he just gave it to me to nurse. It's for kids whose ages range from babies at the crawling stage to 11-year-olds."

The couple's 10-year-old son John also helps out by acting as "barman", serving pop and crisps to the youngsters.

Scores of children use the "Kidzone" each week, enabling families to enjoy the pub's friendly atmosphere.

Sue says: "At least 80% of our customers are connected with the kids in some way or another, including aunties, uncles, grannies and granddads."

She ensures that the youngsters maintain their high energy levels by providing a specially-designed children's menu, which includes their favourite foods as well as a range of healthy options.

Sharing good and bad times

The town centre pub's play equipment is regularly checked by an approved RoSPA safety inspector, while two members of staff are trained in first-aid.

Sue says: "Our pub has evolved as one big family, welcoming newcomers and supporting each other in times of crisis.

"Birthdays, christenings, weddings and even wakes are celebrated here."