Ale sales up from 34 barrels to 163 (From Evesham Journal)

Ale sales up from 34 barrels to 163

9:37am Thursday 15th December 2011 in Evesham & Cotswolds Business News

THERE were raised glasses at The Talbot in Stow after publican Jon Boers was presented with a special achievement award at the annual Wadworth awards ceremony.

The accolades are given to the top performing pubs out of 240 establishments managed or owned by traditional brewers Wadworth.

Mr Boers received the award for his continued commitment to both Wadworth and his pub. He has been The Talbot’s tenant since July 2007 and during his first year increased beer sales from 34 barrels to 163 barrels.

Since then his sales have continued to rise despite a national decline in beer sales.

To combat the trade downturn, the pub in the town square has expanded its wine range and worked hard on its menu and warm atmosphere.

This has led to The Talbot becoming an increasingly popular place to eat while maintaining its welcoming pub-like informality and commitment to relaxed drinking.

“It’s always a joy to give these awards,” said Paul Sullivan, sales and marketing director at Wadworth, “Our landlords work exceptionally hard and we feel it is important that they receive the recognition they deserve.”

Meanwhile, the Yew Tree at Conderton – which nestles at the foot of Bredon Hill – was awarded two prizes at the awards ceremony.

The pub received both retailer of the year and tenant of the year at the awards.

Landlord Dale Allison said: “It was a complete surprise. I didn’t think I’d been at the Yew Tree long enough.

“All the hard work – lots of marketing with poster campaigns and using social media, as well as the extra training from Wadworth has obviously paid off. This is such an honour – I was just doing my job really but I am incredibly grateful to have been acknowledged.”