VisitEngland announced a new scheme for pubs that will be tested by the organization based on the quality of their service, welcome, food and cleanliness. Developed in partnership with the British Beer and Pub Association, VisitEngland will provide pubs with a VisitEngland accreditation that aims to spread best practice and raise standards.
Open to pubs with or without accommodation, pubs will pay an annual fee and receive a mystery visit from an experienced assessor who will test all aspects of the customer experience; from arrival to departure. Scores will be awarded in each area which will allow for benchmarking across the sector. VisitEngland will award special accolades annually for ‘Top Performers’ in areas such as Welcome.
The new VisitEngland quality standards book contains useful hints and tips, plus an explanation of how the scheme and scoring works. Assessors will provide advice on a range of topics including managing online reviews, increasing average spend and encouraging repeat business.
Offering help and advice to publicans, the scheme aims to strengthen the overall quality of the product for domestic customers and overseas visitors; supporting a uniquely British institution - an iconic tourism asset for attracting overseas visitors.
James Berresford, Chief Executive, VisitEngland, says: "I am delighted to welcome this new Quality Assessment Scheme for pubs, which has been developed in partnership with our friends at the British Beer and Pub Association. Pubs are an intrinsic part of our English heritage and a huge tourism asset for overseas visitors. With a focus on improving quality across the board this scheme aims to raise standards, ultimately making the pub visitor experience more enjoyable."
Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, says: "Raising standards, and providing the right support in doing so, is a vital challenge for the tourism and hospitality industry. This new quality standard demonstrates VisitEngland's great commitment to putting pubs right at the heart of its work, and we were delighted to work closely with them in its development. I'm also very pleased that BBPA member pubs will receive a discount when they join the scheme."
