Ninfield pubs refuse to let recession have them over a barrel

Following the British Beer and Pub Associations (BBPA) reported findings, which state that they have seen the biggest fall in beer sales since Customs and Excise began keeping records in1960 - with five pubs a day closing down as landlords struggle with the credit crunch and high taxes - The Kings Arms and the Blacksmith's Inn, both situated on Ninfield Road, are refusing to let the report have them over a barrel.

The dedicated staff of the two Ninfield 'locals', believe it's their diverse individuality which is ensuring that, despite the recession, is a recipe for success that keeps the punters happy, and their businesses thriving.

Since taking over the Blacksmiths Inn last year, licensee Peter Slinger's plan is to continue to revitalise the pub, and he has hopes of turning it into the hub of the village.

Peter said that even though there is a recession on, people still want to go out occasionally, and he believes his friendly cosy pub, which offers a selection of both real ales, fine wines and traditional country cooking - using fresh, locally sourced produce at the right price - ensures a warm welcome for all.

He said: "Even though there is a recession going on at present, people still like to go out. I am convinced that people enjoy being made welcome, being served at their table, having good honest local food and, for those who like that sort of thing, wonderful real ales and wines."

Peter also believes that, in the past, too many people took on the responsibility of a pub without any real experience:

"In the past people have chosen to run pubs as a hobby more than as a profession. They have come into the industry without any real knowledge of the industry, other than as customers. They have survived because there has been plenty of money in circulation and customers have spent it with them."

He added: "However, as the recession takes hold people become more careful with their money and pubs which don't get their entire offering right will suffer. I'm not saying that I have all the answers but at least I have spent my entire life in the licensed trade and I believe I have a better understanding of what customers are looking for than most. Time will tell, and none of us know how deep the recession will bite but my profound hope is that the good ones will still be there when the world settles down."

The Blacksmiths' recent Valentines evening was fully booked, and Peter said it was, "a great success", and he believes that catering for all tastes and ages, along with continued support from local residents is paramount to the continued success of the pub:

"I've got a passion for real ale and we have a new guest beer every week - which compliments the three we have on tap all the time. In addition we will regularly have a variety of entertainment, for example a Chas and Dave style piano and drum duet on 7th March and a charity Karaoke on 21st March '“ with all proceeds going to the St Michaels Hospice."

He added: "It is up to our customers to support us now if they want us to be there for them in the future."

And Peter is happy to work alongside the Kings Arms, which is situated a short way from the Blacksmith Inn.

He said: "It's all a matter of scale because an outlet like the Kings Arms will draw hundreds of people to Ninfield every day. If just ten percent of those people decide that they would prefer something different and come to me instead I shall have a very successful business indeed."

The Kings Arms, which was re-branded to a Crown Carveries pub at the end of last year, re-opened with knock down recession-busting prices on both drinks and food, which have been keeping manager Hayley Thurman, and her enthusiastic staff, busy seven days a week '“ attracting not only local residents, but encouraging people from further afield to travel over for a drink and a roast dinner at bargain prices.

Hayley said: "Business has certainly been booming and we've noticed that our great-value food and drink prices have attracted a whole host of new guests to the pub. Not only that, our accessible price point means that customers can also afford to pop in more frequently, rather than just for the occasional treat."

A succulent carvery, offering a selection of freshly prepared roasts with all the trimmings, operates daily at an incredible price of 3.43 Monday to Saturday (6.37 on Sunday), and with a pint of beer or lager for just 2.10 Hayley believes it's cheaper than staying at home.

She said: "Who said you couldn't eat like a king during the recession? You couldn't serve the same meal at home for that price."

Table bookings aren't available at the Kings Arms, as, due to the volume of meals they serve they prefer to operate on a first come first served basis.

To reserve a table at the Blacksmiths Inn call (01424) 892462.