Pub co-op's guide to success

An enterprising pub-owning co-op has devised a novel way to boost trade - a walking and cycling guide that starts and ends at their pub.

The residents of Hudswell, near Richmond, in North Yorkshire, saved the George and Dragon from closure last year when they raised £220,000 to buy the pub.

They have since come up with a range of ways of boosting trade, including the guide which includes seven walks and four cycle rides.

Co-op members Martin Booth and Linda Wilson wrote the guide to the walks, which sell at £2.50 per copy.

Martin said: "We've sold around 200 so far and the reaction has been really good. Now we often see walkers in the area using the guide.

"The idea for the guide came about during the process of buying the pub and we were thinking of ways to attract customers. We have a lot of very popular walks and cycle routes near to the pub so it was an obvious thing to do."

He added: "It's a great idea for other pubs to follow."

Fellow co-op members Steve Willis compiled the bike rides and artist Alison Charlton supplied the illustrations

Pub licensee Jackie Stubbs said the guide has already resulted in an increase in trade.

"There has been a lot of interest and walkers tend to have a meal at the end of their walk so the pub has done very well from the guide.

"We are expecting even more people calling in from the spring. It seems an obvious thing to do now and it has been more than worthwhile in publishing the guide," she said.

The co-op has also introduced a library, village shop and allotments at the pub to further boost trade.