Pubs making the most out of changing habits

Simon Daws owner of The Gloucester Old Spot in Cheltenham

Landlords have said the good weather coupled with people's changing habits are responsible for a boom in business.

The owner of the Gloucester Old Spot in Cheltenham said people now see Monday and Tuesday as a weekend.

Simon Daws said: "The world has moved away from 'we only go out on a Friday or Saturday'.

"Monday and Tuesday become some people's Saturday night."

The Gloucester Old Spot has a spacious outside area

Mr Daws has been running the pub since 2010 and said over the years he has noticed a change in drinking habits.

"People have become more spontaneous, you might finish work and just thing 'I need a cider' where can we go," he said.

He added that now the good weather means people come looking for a pub with an outdoor area and they have made sure there's is attractive.

"It is fantastic when the weather is nice because from 4pm onwards the cider taste buds kick in.

"Before you know it they've ordered food off the menu and are making a night out of it."

Jason Clarke has made his pub family friendly to attract punters

Jason Clarke, landlord of The House in The Tree in Cheltenham said he has capitalised on changing needs by making his pub family friendly.

"We've been here 13 years, so day one it was pretty derelict, it had gone bust a couple of times.

"So we thought - lets get a niche in the market - and the niche is being family pub," he said.

The pub has created an outdoor play area, an undercover TV area for children as well as a petting zoo which has chickens, pigs and a goat.

He explains it encourages families to spend hours at the pub in the good weather which is good for business.

Mr Clarke said: "Inside we only have a small restaurant and bar so we can probably do lunch for about 80 people but when the weather comes out we have 200-250 people.

"The sun comes out and people want to get out."

Boris the pig is very popular with families

Donna James, landlady added: "We have special pig called Boris, if you talk nicely to him he comes and sits and gives you his trotter."

She explained he was very popular.