The Cross Keys goes family friendly with The Publican

Rural pub the Cross Keys in Wiltshire will be taking on the smoking ban with a new family-friendly direction after being chosen for a unique Publican project.

Wadworth's tenants Sarah and Julian Luckett have been selected for our family pub initiative, being run in conjunction with children's table entertainment provider Kidzsmart.

We will be working closely with the couple over the coming weeks, and following their progress as the pub, in the village of Rowde, looks to reinvent itself as a family destination over the summer.

"When we took over the place was failing and seen as a 'sports' drinking/smoking pub," explained Sarah, who has been in the pub for 19 months, and has already banned smoking.

"We have struggled to change that image, largely by trying to push the food. Overall, though, sales have dropped and we are looking for the next step to get back on track."

Until now the company has not marketed itself as a family pub, but now they have decided to take the plunge.

"If we could have the garden full of kids, that would be taking us just where we want to be!" said Sarah.

Michelle Gunnery of Kidzsmart commented: "The Cross Keys is a deserving winner. It has great potential to develop into a family friendly pub and hopefully make a real difference to its bottom line.

"We are very excited to be working closely with them and introducing them to a whole new market."

Research carried out for Britvic and The Publican earlier this year suggested four out of 10 parents would take their children to pubs more often after a smoking ban.

Look out for further reports in The Publican, and on thepublican.com, on the Cross Keys' progress.