Publican Local Focus: Bath - Spa gazing
For a thirsty beer lover there aren't many better places to spend a day or two than Bath.
The Somerset city, which feels more like a town in size, boasts around 140 pubs and bars for its population of 80,000.
But being a World Heritage site, home to two universities and a magnificent re-established public spa, Bath caters for more than just the locals.
Around a million people stay in the city each year - with a further 3.8 million day visitors on top of that.
And despite having the most expensive hotels in Europe, it still appears to be a place of wonder for your average American.
Promotions
Saying that, the city's pubs are not completely recession-proof.
During The Publican's visit, there was plenty of evidence of promotions, with a pint of Foster's or John Smith's on offer for £1.89 at one pub. Another offer included a credit-crunching £1.99 for bangers and mash.
We also heard of recent pub closures, though these are primarily outside of the city centre.
Meanwhile, venturing into genuine real ale emporiums, such as the beautifully unspoilt Old Green Tree, there was no sign of bargain-basement beers. It seemed that a certain type of customer is still willing to pay for a well-kept, locally brewed ale, in the environs of a centuries-old hostelry.
Interestingly though, supermarket deals are still affecting these types of pubs - but not in the way you might think.
Tim Bethune, licensee at the Old Green Tree, said his older clientele were now coming out slightly earlier in the evening and going home earlier - to avoid encountering drunken students. "Older people have shifted their pattern because they are worried about young people being around later," said Tim.
"To be honest, I can't see this Continental café culture ever really happening."
Some gastropubs in the city have also decided to go down the promotions route. Joe Cussens at the Marlborough Tavern (see video interview below) spent a long time planning how he would play the "promotions game".
"Consumers are being bombarded with messages on sales in the high street, so we knew we needed to come up with something to compete with this," he said.
Things such as an early diner offer of 25 per cent off before 7pm - "getting bums on the seat early", as Joe puts it - have created extra revenue.
"It just seems that any place that doesn't do a promotional offer stands to lose out," he said.
Welcome weather
However, despite all the other obvious issues affecting the trade, Joe says there's one factor that could make all the difference this year: the weather.
"You can agonise about cutting your prices and improving your GP, but the most important thing, without a shadow of a doubt is if we get a decent summer," he said.
For Bath pubs with a decent outside space, a sustained spell of sunshine would be a dream. But many of the older taverns have very little outdoor space, which can also deter smokers.
Still, with sterling currently so weak against the dollar and euro, Bath licensees seem hopeful they can hold firm and rely on the tourist pound for some time to come.
• Next stop… Norwich. If you would like us to visit your pub email us at news@thepublican.com
Views from the pub
Tim Wilkins
Tim is manager of the Bath Ales-owned Hop Pole, which is located just outside the city centre en-route to Bristol.
How much will a drink cost me?
A pint of Bath Ales' Spa is £2.35, Gem is £2.50. Budvar is £3.35. Ashton Press cider is £3. Half a Coke is £1.15.
Do you do food?
Our food, which is all homemade, includes steak, burger and chips for £8.95, sandwiches for £4.25 and homemade steak pie for £8.95.
Who are your customers?
Locals and students. We also get a lot of tourists - a lot of Americans. They like the traditional pub atmosphere. My wife is American, which helps with the banter.
What attracts people?
Our friendly, bubbly, barstaff are definitely a factor. Our home-cooked food pulls the crowds in, as does our large outdoor area out the back, especially in the summer.
What are the big issues affecting trade in Bath?
Parking is an issue for us because there is a lack of space. Competing with the supermarkets was tough over Christmas - and I noticed a lot more people going to house parties instead of coming out for New Year's Eve. The tax hikes have been an issue, but we have kept focussing on quality and reasonable prices and so far it's helping.
Tim Bethune
Tim is licensee of the city-centre-based Old Green Tree. The cosy pub was named the Good Pub Guide's National Town Pub of the Year 2008
How much will a drink cost me?
Old Green Tree ale £2.80, Butcombe £3.00, Broadoak cider £3.20, Budvar lager £3.40.
Do you do food?
House specials include smoked duck and poached apple salad at £9. Bangers and mash is £8.50. Sandwiches are £6/£6.50.
Who are your customers?
We have a big local trade. A lot of people still live in the city centre, which is unusual for most cities. There's a lot of passing trade, obviously, with tourists - we are in a lot of US tourist guides as well.
What attracts people?
It's the real ale and the menu of good homemade food. People also come for the ambience.
What are the big issues affecting trade in Bath?
A lot of Bath's pubs are very small buildings that don't have any kind of outdoor space. Competition from the supermarkets has not helped either - a lot of people are drinking at home and then you see them on the streets.Joe Cussens
Joe is licensee of gastro-style outlet the Marlborough Tavern, a Punch Taverns leasehold
How much will a drink cost me?
Butcombe £2.95, Sharp's Doom Bar £2.95, Hoegarden £3.80, Foster's £3, Guinness £3.30. Coke £1.80. A glass of house white or red wine is £3.50.
Do you do food?
Homemade soup of the day is £5.50; a 6oz aged beef burger is £8.50; braised beef and onions in Guinness with baked potatoes is £9.50.
Who are your customers?
Our core audience are locals. But we attract all ages - students and grannies and everybody in between.
What attracts people?
Good quality home-cooked local food. People also know they will get a friendly welcome and a fun atmosphere here.
Our customers are not driven by cheap promotions - it's about value, not cheapness.
What are the big issues affecting the trade in Bath?
As it's a big tourist area there's always a steady trade. The smoking ban has hit a lot of pubs because many don't have an outdoor space. But it's actually helped us because we have a great outdoor area. Bath attracts a lot of stag and hen parties but I think the council is quite precious about their beautiful city, so it keeps things under control.
Pernilla Magnell
Pernilla is deputy manager at the centrally located Spirit-owned Grapes pub. Originally from Sweden, Pernilla has lived in Bath for 15 years and been at the Grapes since last July
How much will a drink cost me?
Foster's is £1.99, John Smith's is £1.89 and a 175ml glass of house white or red is £1.99. Our guest ale is £2.58. Pepsi is £1.45.
Do you do food?
Two meals for £8, including 8oz rump steak and New York chicken. Our all-day breakfast is £3.75.
Who are yo
