InBrief
A pub, by any other name...
A licensee is reportedly installing beds in her pub and calling it a hotel room in a bid to dodge the smoking ban. Dawn Clarke said she would invite smokers to the room in the Old Ship, Lowdham, Nottinghamshire. But a spokesman for her local council told The Sun: "We don't think we will have trouble convincing a court what is a hotel room and what is a pub."
St Austell wins Cask Marque award
St Austell brewery has won a Cask Marque Distribution Charter Award for its commitment to excellence in the beer-supply chain. To win the award, suppliers must set the highest standard for storing, transporting and delivering cask beer. Each of St Austell's seven depots had two rigorous tests by Cask Marque inspectors.
Nijs to return to Marston's
David Nijs, director of brewing at Cains, is to return to Marston's as head of contract services. Nijs has been head of brewing at Cains since 2002, and became director of brewing earlier this year. Nijs presided over a four-fold increase in canning and brewing volume.
Watch out for Old Speckled Hen
Old Speckled Hen has been named a "brand to watch" by the Superbrands organisation. It was selected by a panel of 20 independent experts in recognition of its sales growth and marketing campaigns. "Our unique, quirky image has led to a 60% growth rate in the last five years," said marketing director Fiona Hope.
Sizzling customer service at M&B
The pre-opening training team for Mitchells & Butlers' Sizzling Pub Co concept has won an award for its role in supporting new pub openings. The team was highly commended in the National Customer Service Awards 2007. The awards celebrate the impact of customer service on consumers and businesses.
Braille menu helps pub win award
The True Lover's Knot, in Blandford Forum, in Dorset, has won the Wales and West Country regional heat of the Business Innovation of the Year Awards. The category is part of the National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange. The Hall & Woodhouse pub was praised for its introduction of Braille, large-print and audio menus and menus suitable for diabetics.
