Pubs urged to add bedrooms to keep afloat

Pub operators have been urged to take advantage of the expected rise in domestic tourism by focusing on adding rooms.

With the UK set to see an increase in domestic holidaymakers, the next 12 months could provide the pub sector with the “perfect opportunity” to grow its market share of the lodging market and offset predicted further falls in drinks sales, according to property agent Christie & Co.

The improvement in quality pub food, accelerated by the introduction of the smoking ban, is also having a positive impact on the desirability of opening letting rooms, the report said.

Operators offering high-quality food with competitively-priced accommodation can attract customers who are looking for something with character, rather than what may be perceived as “soulless” national-chain offerings, Christie & Co said.

The addition of letting rooms can also add extra depth to the business and generate significant profit for limited outlay, which is also likely to be reflected in the sale price achieved when the property changes hands, the report added.

Over the last 12 months, a number of pub companies have announced that they are set to increase their capital expenditure on accommodation, including Punch Taverns, Young’s, Fuller Smith & Turner, Daniel Thwaites and Merchant Inns.

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By Daniel Thomas

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