MyShout

We need to turn more British pubs into Great British Pubs, says Stephen Crawley

Our Martian who featured in my last My Shout certainly attracted the media - the national press took an interest and for once it was not about binge drinking or drink-related violence, but about the hypothetical pricing. I look forward to the day that the national press contact us about all things great about the British pub.

We know we compete with an improved lifestyle where a drink at home, a takeaway pizza, a bottle of wine and a 50-inch TV are enjoyed by many as an alternative to the pub. Maybe the Martian should get into home entertainment and the off-trade. Or maybe he has the vision to back his judgement and would work to make his pubs the places people want to be.

I know this is possible as I was recently in two great pubs. The first had a comprehensive range of draught beers - local, national and international - and a range of cask beers, knowledgeable staff and excellent food.

It was busy, with lots of different things on offer for a diverse range of customers. There was a whisky tasting in one separate room. Families were accompanied by children, and at the bar adults and couples were engaged in conversation. There were pleasant waiting staff and the atmosphere was congenial and lively.

The second pub was much smaller. It concentrated on serving beer in excellent condition and did not serve food as it had converted its kitchen into two cabinets for cellaring its cask ales. The staff were knowledgeable and passionately "sold" their offer to the steady stream of customers. I was conducting a tasting and felt proud to be among people so passionate about keeping and serving every product in excellent condition every time.

Two great examples of the Great British pub? British-style pubs, yes, but the first was in Stockholm and the second was in Copenhagen!

Both were owner-occupied and both had built their businesses up steadily over the years. Like in the UK, the bricks and mortar do not necessarily change, but the relationships the drivers of these businesses have with their suppliers are long-term - the owners invest in their businesses and staff, the consumer gets a great experience and everyone makes money.

We need to turn more British pubs into Great British pubs. We need to create more of that quality experience to ensure that our businesses not only appeal to customers, but that we also inspire the younger generation to want to enjoy themselves in pubs without feeling the necessity to arrive or leave inebriated!

There are some excellent examples of fantastic businesses around the country, but there are also many that need to turn their aspirations into reality as we start to feel the squeeze.

We all know the tough trading conditions will continue for some time in 2008, but tough times generate innovation, a sense of camaraderie and a fighting spirit - all qualities that will ensure the best businesses will survive and help to sustain the burgeoning range of tastes and flavours being created by the Great British Brewers and made available in the Great British Pub!

Stephen Crawley is managing director

of Caledonian Brewery