“Help!” was the call and cry from the owners after a string of unsuccessful managers. The village had had enough and the pub was empty, haemorrhaging money! They wanted to sell it but at the time it would have been at a loss without good accounts and frequently busy restaurant nights, events and regulars in the bar. We created an action plan for a period of six months to introduce live music nights, redevelop the menu and start to introduce a variety of guest beers. However there was no magic wand and this marketing and PR project took over six months to win back the loyalty of the locals and visitors from further afield. We also needed to combine business consultancy with this project to ensure the entire business was streamlined, they had a team to cope with the growing business, and it regained its reputation!
Plough Inn Background
The Plough is a beautiful country village pub, with a large garden and a beautiful restaurant. With its low beams, low doorways (even for Liz, who is 5ft 4in) and open fires, it was a storybook venue ideal for family parties, celebrations and summer BBQs. Once a popular and busy destination pub, the string of unsuccessful managers had upset the locals, sadly. We worked with the owner to increase their positive PR, get publicity in local papers and start to build positive word of mouth again.
PR
Some fun competitions, and editorial in the local papers got people talking about the pub again! Although we started off with paid features and editorial eventually we were able to build up a relationship with several journalists that enabled us to submit press releases and even become a go to source for comment on local features, events and news.
Offers
We gradually worked with the owner to introduce live music events with local bands on a Thursday night, steak nights, pie nights and introduce a specialist burger menu which included more than a standard beef burger and soon became extremely popular! The restaurant gradually grew its reputation gain and we launched a Diners Club with excusive menu tasting events and wine tasting!
VIP Visits
Within months, the pub started to get known for all the right reasons again! During our time working with time, sometimes on a daily basis and on site we were excited to be visited by and approved by both Richard Adams) author of Watership Down) and Clarissa Dickson Wright (one half of the Two Fat Ladies Cook). Richard was a true gentleman and we had a lovely chat about the book and his unexpected fame that came with it! Clarissa was very generous with time, visiting the kitchen and speaking to all the team.
Destination Venue
Being in a small village, opposite the village church but some miles from the nearest town did have its challenges. Even if it became popular with the locals we needed to attract business from further afield and become a destination pub for food, walkers, bikers and families. This took time but with the use of PR, competitions, special offers, great menus and great team members we were able to build this up and days like Bank Holidays, school holidays and summer evenings ensure the pub, restaurant and gardens were packed!
Dog Biscuits on the Bar
It took a personal touch to make all the difference, with something that is quite common now, but when we first worked with the Plough it was unheard of to have dog treats available on the bar!
Making it Happening for the Plough Inn
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