In association with CCEP
How important are soft drinks to pubs?
The importance of soft drinks in pubs has never been as big as it is now, with some pubs raking in 25% of sales through softs.
On this road trip, MA learnt the importance of getting the offer right, which is highlighted by CCEP director of field sales Paul Grace in this video (above).
Read on to see each feature from the road trip, which started in the summer and ended earlier this month.
How soft drinks started
Soft drinks have played an important role in society for centuries, but their history and value is too often overlooked. There's a lot more to softs than first meets the eye.
In this feature (click the image) we explore the Temperance Movement that gave rise to the popularity of soft drinks
Suede, Nottingham's 1990s-themed bar
A 1980s-90s retro theme is pulling in the punters to an eatery in Nottingham, with Coca-Cola lending a hand with a neon sign and its iconic glass bottles.
In this feature, Suede founders tell MA about the rise of the bar and their future plans, as well as how Coca-Cola is helping their business
The Òran Mór, Glasgow
Sandy Gourlay knows a thing or two about catering for almost 2,000 customers on a busy night and has seen an ongoing uplift in soft drinks sales at the Glasgow venue.
More than 1,800 customers frequent the site, ordering beverages from beers, wines, spirits and mixers, and standard soft drinks. But it's the way Gourlay serves the drinks that makes all the difference.
How the Riverside pub in Avon works
Putting a much stronger drinks offer in place has helped this operator in rural Avon encourage drivers to do the right thing on a night out.
General manager Stuart Simpson makes sure his driving patrons have the right soft drinks to ensure they don't break the law.
Inside the New Queen Inn, Christchurch
Destination pubs encounter problems not faced by others in built-up areas, but one operator based in deepest Dorset is using location to his advantage.
Will Everingham, owner of the New Queen Inn, Christchurch, Dorset, makes a big play of the vast amount of families that visit his pub, with softs core to the drinks offer.
