North West
Spring Inn
Rochdale, Lancashire
There's little that Carol and John Cadwallader don't know about their customers - and that includes the scores of tiny tots who make up a sizeable proportion of the Spring Inn's regular visitors.
In the 11 years that Carol and John have run the Spring Inn, they have built up an encyclopaedic database of local families.
Firm favourite
The pub is a natural venue for children, with spacious gardens and a play area. It is roomy inside too, enabling children to remain largely unseen and unheard - a bonus for the older clientele who want a quiet pint and a chat.
Managed on behalf of JW Lees, the pub is very popular, thanks to the Cadwalladers' efforts to ensure it's is the first choice of children deciding where to take parents.
Special events and fun bus
Carol says: "We've worked hard to build up a real family atmosphere here and it's very rewarding to see youngsters grow up, marry and bring their own kids here. We put on the all the usual attractions for youngsters, including special menus and entertainment on bank holidays and other occasions."
On certain days, a children's fun bus packed with all manner of toys, games and other entertainment can be found in the car park.
Balancing old and young
Despite this wealth of facilities, the Cadwalladers are careful not to let the younger brigade take over.
"We always try to balance interests of our family groups with those of older regulars, and our golden rule is to clear the bar areas of children by 9.30pm every night," says Carol.
Every child is invited to join the pub's "Springers Club", which offers a number of benefits.
Carol explains: "We send them birthday cards, which leads to scores of bookings for children's parties. Basically, there are lots of things to interest junior customers of all ages and few of them ever get bored."
