Devonshire Dumpling reaps rewards

Taking decisive action and going smoke-free before the ban has been a successful move for Devon publican Gordon Robinson.

The licensee of the Devonshire Dumpling in the village of Morchard Road closed the pub for a week for a minor refurbishment and made

significant changes to the menu before it went smoke-free in February.

He claims trade is up and more customers are coming into the pub because of the cleaner atmosphere. The food-driven venue already had a lot of customers requesting a no-smoking table in the smoking area, although a new patio is now available for those who want to smoke.

Gordon said: "My wife Janet and I are delighted and a little surprised by how the business has grown since we went smoke-free in February.

"We thought that we would lose some business but the opposite has happened. We have grown a large additional customer base who have congratulated us on going smoke-free early. I wish I had done it a year ago - I have been amazed.

"We did see a few drinkers disappear for a while, but they have drifted back.

"We are seeing more diners and new drinkers and trade is up 15 per cent on the same period last year.

"One local commented that now after a night out at the pub he didn't need to have his clothes washed to get rid of the smell of smoke. His wife is very grateful!"

He has urged other publicans, especially those who specialise in food, to take the plunge prior to the July 1 ban in England as it has proved a roaring success for the Devonshire Dumpling.

The pub has also launched a new revised menu and its popular Golden Oldies Menu has been rebranded as the Platinum Menu.