Pictured above: Titanic Bott brothers
Stoke-on-Trent based Titanic Brewery has been shortlisted for a
prestigious national award in recognition of its growing fleet of
community pubs.
The brewery has invested heavily in reviving "the local" by
buying and refurbishing dilapidated pubs across North
Staffordshire.
Now its determination to buck the trend of pub closures has led
to a position on the four-strong shortlist for the Publican
newspaper's Multiple Operator of the Year award.
The winner will be announced at a gala evening at London's
famous Grosvenor Hotel on April 21.
The prestigious nomination comes as the brewery, based at
Lingard Street, Burslem, celebrates its 25th anniversary.
During that time Titanic has grown from small beginnings to
produce around two million pints of fine ale a year with the
brewery's beer sold in pubs and supermarkets across the UK.
However, the award nomination is for its work in its home area
of North Staffordshire where Titanic has established a popular
chain of four pubs.
"In the early years we probably sold more beer in
Newcastle-on-Tyne than Stoke-on-Trent, but we recognised that there
would be benefits in selling our product ourselves through local
outlets," explained Managing Director Keith Bott.
"The pub estate provides our shop 'port-hole' in the local area
and allows beer drinkers to connect directly with the brewery and
to feel part of a growing local company. The involvement of
customers and the ability to interact and feel part of the Titanic
family is exceptionally important to us."
Titanic bought its first pub, the Bulls Head, Burslem, in 1992,
but only began to expand its fleet in 2007 when the brewery forged
an innovative partnership with a larger company Everard's.
The joint venture, combining Titanic's local knowledge and
consumer loyalty with Everards pub purchasing and operating skills
has resulted in three new pubs - the Greyhound,
Newcastle-under-Lyme,the White Star, Stoke, and the Royal Exchange,
Stone.
Titanic Brewery now employs more than 100 people in North
Staffordshire and has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in
its four pubs.
Keith added: "Despite the current trend of closures and the
global recession we believe there is still a place for traditional
style community pubs.
"Titanic's success comes through giving people what they want -
a traditional local pub where people can enjoy good quality
products in comfortable surroundings.
"Our pubs are firmly part of the communities they serve. There
are no flashy gimmicks or large screen televisions."
Titanic Pubs are renowned for their community work, each pub
raises funds for local and national charities, the Greyhound hosts
a popular carol service complete with brass band and the White Star
provides a much needed venue for local musicians and poets.