Focus South West: Green and keen

Being green can often come with a strong sense of seriousness - but customers at the New Prince of Wales have learned that you can be environmentally sound and have fun at the same time.

The pub, in the Bishopston area of Bristol, has been operated according to eco-friendly policies since Anna and JJ Gorman took over in 2002.

As well as using green energy sources, the Prince of Darkness, as regulars affectionately call it, uses environmentally-friendly cleaning products and biodegradable bin-bags, boasts waterless urinals, an all-organic wine list and a selection of organic beers.

On the menu all the meat is free-range, all dairy products are organic and as much produce as possible is locally sourced. Everything that can be is recycled, and even the Prince's promotional T-shirts are made from organic cotton.

"We just think it's important for the future of our natural resources," says Anna. "Some customers notice - and it does bring them back again."

One of the things that's setting the Prince apart is its own organic cask lager, brewed especially for the pub. "We wanted an organic beer that would appeal to younger drinkers, and we wanted one from an independent supplier," explains Anna. "Eventually we found the Organic Brewhouse in Helston, Cornwall, and JJ helped them come up with a recipe." The result is the popular, 5.3 per cent ABV Charlie's Pride - according to reports, named after the pub dog's testicles.

Unlike many businesses, the Gormans have yet to convert the Prince to energy-saving lightbulbs.

"They just don't seem to make them for dimmer switches," says Anna. "If anyone knows where we can get them we'd love to find out!"