Advice for Northumberland pubs to up their game

In the first initiative of its kind in the country, a series of free seminars will help the region's pubs and inns to improve every aspect of their food, drink and service so that visitors return time and time again.

Project co-ordinator Helen Spark of Northumberland Tourism said: "Pubs should be passionate about ensuring that every single person who walks through their door feels totally welcome and at home.

"Our region's pubs have a great opportunity to build on the growing number of people planning to holiday in the UK. While destinations like Cornwall have upgraded their overall offer and use their local produce to full advantage, Northumberland has yet to fully wake up to these benefits.

"These sessions are a unique opportunity for businesses to learn how they can increase profits by talking to those who have already tried and tested this approach."

The specialist speakers will look at practical ways of transforming businesses including improving menus, ambience, and customer care, as well as the benefits of sourcing locally.

Keynote speaker is Pascal Watkins, director of Yorkshire's Angel Inn in Hetton - a pub that has won every accolade going.

Research conducted by the National Skills Academy for Hospitality showed that 28% of the public rate value for money and 31% the warmth of service as the most important part of eating out.

The seminars are being held this Monday March 1 at the Boatside Inn, Warden, Monday, March 8, at the Dyke Neuk, Meldon, and Monday, March 15, at the Lindisfarne Inn, Beal.

During these seminars the speakers will help managers identify the best things about their pubs, the image they project, how quality and choice of food measures up, the challenges facing their pub, their plans for the future and knowing what people are saying about them on internet review sites.

Pascal Watkins said: "Whoever the customer is, we always try to exceed their expectations - and have learnt that a wow factor can cost nothing."