The Speciality Beer House concept
In 2007, Charles Wells Pub Company launched the first two pubs in a new development concept known as the ‘Speciality Beer House’.
The Bedford Arms, Bedford and The Golden Pheasant, Biggleswade were refurbished under the Speciality Beer House identity and provide a celebration of beer, with an unrivalled choice of beer styles for consumers. They demonstrate excellence in all areas of cellar management and alcohol retailing and offer the chance for beer lovers and novices, male and female, to explore the different ranges of beer available.
Charles Wells Pub Company is now looking to expand the Speciality Beer House concept and is working to identify pubs that would be suitable to develop into the style required. With an estate of over 250 pubs and ambitious acquisition plans for further expansion, it’s expected that there’ll be a number of Speciality Beer Houses operating by the end of 2007.
The Speciality Beer House isn’t just about making beers available, as the offer and service are an important element of the concept. Certain criteria have been established to ensure the Speciality Beer House delivers what consumers want and, in turn, help our retailers run a successful business operation.
Guidelines for operating a Speciality Beer House include achieving cask marque accreditation and working closely with CAMRA. They should also provide a good range of bottled beers from Britain and overseas, offering a range of fruit and wheat beers, ciders and perry’s with the licensee and bar staff all demonstrating a good knowledge of, and passion for, beer. A further benefit for consumers who are unsure of where to start their journey of beer appreciation is the opportunity to try a sample before they buy.
The Speciality Beer Houses present the range of fabulous beers brewed in Bedford by Wells & Young’s Brewing Co Ltd but licensees also have the option to incorporate a diverse selection of other beers selected from independent and micro breweries to compliment the range. Pubs bearing the Speciality Beer House signage will also develop a bespoke menu to mirror the strong focus on beer and will also introduce beer and food matching, subject to availability of the appropriate kitchen facilities. Food and beer menus will be posted on chalkboards whilst the interior of the pub will be decorated in a traditional, comfortable, easy style with simplicity that makes everyone feel instantly at home.
Charles Wells Pub Company is also seeking individuals with an outstanding approach to customer service and exceptional retailing skills to run one of the Speciality Beer Houses on a tenancy or lease agreement. Anyone interested must share our passion for cask ales and speciality beers and have the skills to share their enthusiasm with other people. They must have the expertise to keep a minimum of six hand pulled beers and the ability to run their own business.
If you believe you are ready to take the challenge of running your own business in one of our Speciality Beer Houses, you’ll be interested to know that we offer a range of flexible agreements, a comprehensive induction programme and enviable support from Retail Development Managers and specialist advisors. We put our customers at the heart of everything we do, so why not get in touch with us and we can discuss the Speciality Beer House options currently available. Please call our Customer Support Unit on 0500 003 308 for further details.
