City Diary — 24 June

IFBB radar misses Adnams​

Independent Family Brewers of Britain chairman Paul Wells was showing delegates a map of the UK that highlighted members at last week's Tenanted Pub Conference. There's one glaring absentee — Adnams of Southwold are not members. "I think we are too racy for them," says Wells.

Take care on the way up...​

It's official — Greg Mulholland is the most influential politician in the pub trade outside Government. How do we know? Greg made a point of telling everyone at last week's Tenanted Trade Conference. Isn't there a rule about it not being sensible to claim importance? Aren't other people the judge in these things? Politicians, eh?

Mulholland muddies waters​

Mulholland claimed Enterprise's name is mud in his constituency. What does Enterprise make of that claim? A spokesman tells City Diary: "We own nine out of 148 licensed outlets in his constituency. We are selling two: one to a SIBA brewer and one to a music centre for disabled people. Of the remaining seven, three are let on temporary management agreements; of those that are with independent retailers, we have great relationships with one retailer, an okay relationship with two — and one pub is closed."

Sex, pubs and conference tapes​

Deutsche Bank analyst Geof Collyer has faith in the longevity of the pub. Speaking at the Tenanted Conference, he reeled off a list of things people like to do: sex, socialising, dinner, relaxing and lunch. "You can do all these things down the pub," he rightly points out. Where do you drink, Geof?

Fair game for Young's​

Who says that everybody is having a tough time in the tenanted trade? London brewer and retailer Young's reports that it is looking for just two tenants for its 99-strong tenanted estate. Last year's churn rate was just 10% compared to an industry average that is currently north of 25%. "We are committed to preserving our reputation as a fair partner," says the company.

Terrific pitch for former Pianos​

Marston's has sold four Pitcher & Pianos in London in recent times. And you'd have to say they're being put to good use. The Soho site has been converted into the terrific Dean Street Townhouse. And the Covent Garden venue on Wiliam IV Street is set to become a restaurant — Les Deux Salons, which is operated by the founders of the equally terrific Arbutus, Anthony Demetre and Will Smith. Arbutus was voted the London Evening Standard's Restaurant of the Year in 2006.

Ripley sees through JDW​

JD Wetherspoon is banging the drum on its green credentials. But one customer has written to it to complain about the sheer quantity of marketing literature evident in its pubs. "I can barely find space for my pint or see sunlight through the window for all the paper you use for promotional items," a Mr Ripley of Kent says in the latest edition of Wetherspoon News. Founder Tim Martin thinks he may have a point: "I'll review the points you have made, lest all daylight be eliminated by posters."

Next round is on Fuller's boss​

Greene King boss Rooney Anand has smashed his fundraising target for his golf marathon, planned for tomorrow (25 June). He is attempting to play 72 holes of golf in one day — and has raised more than £7,500. Good to see the great and the good of the industry dipping into their pockets. Fuller's boss Michael Turner has sponsored Anand for £100 but couldn't resist doing a little advertising on the donation website justgiving.com​.

"If you get tired, you could always refresh yourself with a delicious pint of Pride,' he says.

All roads lead to Enterprise​

Here's a rumour doing the rounds. Enterprise chief Ted Tuppen is preparing to kick himself upstairs, and some are casting around for a successor. Enterprise chief operating officer Simon Townsend has long been the favourite to succeed Tuppen. But the rumour mill has a new contender hoving into view. Step forward Marston's Pub Company managing director Alistair Darby. Enterprise, of course, could do a lot, lot worse. Has anyone worked out whether Enterprise's Solihull headquarters is closer to Darby's Worcester home than Marston's Wolverhampton base?