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Search forPubs battle to have the best gardens as smokers go outside
Thursday, June 12, 2008, 07:30
Pubs across Derby are flocking to take part in this year's Derby In Bloom competition and all are keen to be crowned champions of the best pub, cafe or restaurant category.
But landlords who have been preening hedges and watering their hanging baskets are being warned that there are just over two weeks left in which to enter the contest.
Dawn Dagley, who has organised the annual event for the ninth year, thinks the smoking ban, which came into force on July 1 last year, has led to landlords doing even more to keep the outsides of their pubs looking great.
She said: “The smoking ban means more people will be using the outdoor areas of pubs, and everyone likes to sit in a well-kept garden.”
One entrant in the competition is Gary Clipson, manager of the Master Locksmith pub in the Meteor Centre. He won in 2000 and 2001 and hopes his efforts this year will help bring the crown back to the pub.
He said: “I'm very excited to be taking part in the competition again. I think having a well-presented pub is absolutely essential, as it gives customers their first impressions before they even step inside.
“The smoking ban has also meant a lot more people go outside now, so it's even more important to have the pub looking great on the outside as well.”
Mr Clipson said staff had already finished the pub's hanging baskets and window boxes and would now be working on the grounds, including its large beer garden.
He added: “We always do good business in the summer, and the garden is always full, so it's important that we get it looking its best.”
But competition this year is set to be fierce and Connor Fittall, manager of the Crown Inn, in Curzon Street, is just as confident his pub can clinch victory.
He said: “We go very over-the-top to decorate the outside of the pub and make it look stunning for people, whether they are smokers or not.
“We've got hanging baskets and window boxes at the front, and elsewhere we've made plant pots out of old sinks and chimney pots. It looks great.”
Both entrants hope their efforts will be rewarded when the winner is crowned on July 18.
Mrs Dagley, parks liaison officer for Derby City Council, believes a well-kept garden is essential to bring in punters.
She said: “The summer is always a real draw and a well presented pub is a real attraction for people.
“The response we've had from entrants has been great but, as always, we want even more people to get involved and make the competition even more lively.”
The closing date for entries in the best pub, cafe or restaurant category is Monday, June 30. It will be judged by celebrity gardener Martin Fish, who will look at layout and planting, the use of colour and their “wow factor”.
FLOWER POWER: The Master Locksmith pub at the Meteor Centre is taking part in the Derby in Bloom competition. Pictured beside one of the displays is deputy manager Stacey Ollier
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