Equipment: Coffee for a chameleon bar

A credible hot drinks offer can be a useful way to encourage extra trade, allowing pubs to extend trading time by attracting customers on different occasions.

The market town of Honiton in Devon is a 'chameleon' town - as well as residents and businesses, it attracts shoppers from a wide rural catchment, is in a busy seasonal holiday area, and also has a town centre drinking circuit.

This give Elaine Montgomery, owner of the Orange Tree bar in the town, this is an opportunity as well as challenge.

The bar is a popular local venue, offering live music and special events. It is part of a larger operation owned by Elaine, Montgomery's Hotel, which as well as letting rooms also includes a bistro and café.

At the end of last year, the business invested in a new SanRemo coffee machine, supplied by Coffee West. A brand, Montgomery's Coffee, has been established to offer cappuccino, espresso, latte and other speciality coffees.

The coffee offer has proven popular with customers and helped the business stay competitive, says Elaine. "A good cup of coffee is definitely considered an affordable luxury according to our customers. Every pub should definitely have a quality coffee on offer, especially during these difficult times."

Based in Buckfastleigh, Devon, supplier Coffee West has seen an increase in demand over recent months as bar and restaurant owners opt for quality over price.

Andrew Tucker managing director Coffee West said: "Owners know that in a tough market they need to raise the bar. People might be going out for coffee a little less but when they do it has to be special, which they're prepared to pay for".