John Smith's GBPA Best Beer pub finalists profiled
The Crown Inn, Oakengates, Shropshire
The operators of the Crown Inn took on a boarded-up, almost derelict pub 23 years ago and have placed beer at the heart of it ever since. A disciplined approach to cellar management has seen the business minimise quality problems and waste, and investments have been made including purchasing a new glasswasher.
A recent delve into selling craft gins has complemented beer sales, driving new audiences and punters into the pub. Best-selling beers include Hobsons Twisted Spire, Hobsons Best Bitter and Purity XPA.
Even though the pub already sells more than 50 bottled beers, it hopes to increase this number further with investments in beers from overseas.
Mason & Company, Hackney Wick, London
Seasonal popularity is a strong factor in the selection of beers at Mason & Company, as is keeping punters happy.
The pub has also been host to some exclusive ‘first UK pours’, such as this year’s London Beer City opening party. It also hosts events from tap takeovers to themed events like a Women in Beer event for women’s history month to smaller tutored tasting events with representatives from featured breweries on hand to chat to customers.
Special offers on Wednesdays have helped the pub’s midweek footfall, ensuring the pub is always bustling.
Hogshead, Wolverhampton
With an impressive cask ale and craft beer selection that ranges from Scotland to Land’s End, this Midlands pub has successfully created a niche in the city for specialist beers, stopping an exodus of beer lovers to the nearby Birmingham.
Punters at the Hogshead can order staggering eight-pint beer towers or two-pint glasses during busy events, a tactic that encourages sales as well as reducing waiting times and pressure on staff during packed moments.
The operators promote products through both fun digital posts and innovative in-pub marketing, such as creative neon signs and wall tiles.
The Great Northern Railway Tavern, Hornsley, London
This north London pub is not afraid to take a risk with unique products, such as Neapolitan ice cream pale ale and tzatziki flavoured sours.
It also stays up to date with craft trends, as with a Scandinavian tap takeover featuring eight Nordic breweries, with a raffle, live music, and barbecue to mark the occasion.
Recently refurbished, this Victorian pub is digitally smart, with pub dog Thor a social media star even before the big reopening. A partnership with a local start-up brewery means there is an exclusively brewed beer named after Thor. Word-of-mouth promotion is a strong part of this pub’s outreach, with customers visiting to enjoy beers from 14 local breweries.
The Bunch of Grapes, Pontypridd
Supporting independent breweries is a key part of the Bunch of Grapes mission statement, with 10-hand pulls and five craft keg taps.
The pub aims to avoid larger corporate chains and instead to favour new independent breweries from the south Wales area.
Co-ordinated branding means a cohesive message of excellent ale and beer is delivered across staff uniforms, glassware, beer mats and take-out containers. The pub displays an innovative flair in its offer of different serving sizes and a take-home option with two and four-pint reusable beer carriers.
North Bar, Leeds
Situated in the city centre, this bar prides itself on its people-oriented approach, with charitable endeavours like a fundraising campaign to raise £20,000 for a city hospice.
The bar holds four beer festivals every year, which are themed around North American beers, Lowland beers from Belgium and the Netherlands, and an Oktoberfest, featuring German products.
Operators have made investments to free up space to tap more beers when the bar is busy, such as a vertical cask dispense.
Popular beers on tap at the venue include Veltins Pilsner, #NB20 Session Pale, and North Brewing Co Sputnik APA.
This year’s awards ceremony takes place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on 6 September.
To book your tickets, contact Stevie Robinson on 01293 846508, or email her at fgrivr.ebovafba@jeoz.pbz .
