Cask beer pubs ‘serve good food too’

The figures from The Cask Report 2018 ​found that food plays a vital part in attracting the cask drinker.

From curry nights to pie and pint deals, and two-for-one specials, all these meals can encourage return visits.

The report stated that pubs using their menus alongside their cask range to create the positioning and target those drinkers is essential.

Close alliance​

It also called on pubcos to form a closer alliance between those involved in planning the food offer and those involved on the beer side of the business.

However, the report also said that while the cask proposition is key to attracting cask drinkers, activities and food offers will be effective only alongside the right range of beers served in consistently great condition.

The report surveyed UK adults on reasons why they visit the pub and found 79% of cask drinkers visit for a drink or meal with family, friends or colleagues compared to 57% of all adults.

Some 30% of cask drinkers visit the pub for a meal deal whereas this number falls to 22% when it comes to all adults.

Special occasions​

When it comes to special occasions such as Mother’s or Father’s Day, the figures are closer together with 15% of cask drinkers citing this as the reason they go to the pub and 12% of all adults.

Some 37% of cask drinkers go to their local for a work social event compared to just 24% of UK adults.

Moving away from food and into entertainment, only 5% of UK adults go to the pub for a games night but 10% of cask drinkers say this is why they go.

There are more cask ale drinkers visiting the pub for live music (28%) compared to 15% of adults who responded to the survey.