New push celebrates Northern Ireland’s great pubs

Pictured at the launch are Colin Neill, chief executive of Pubs of Ulster (right) with Mark Stewart, chairman and Meagan Green, Miss Northern Ireland.

Industry body Pubs of Ulster has launched a new initiative designed to showcase all that’s ‘Great’ about Northern Ireland’s pubs.

The Great Ulster Pub Week, which takes place from May 1 to 9, will be the biggest pub-centric multi-venue event seen in Northern Ireland and will recognise and showcase the value of our local bars for the contribution they make to the economy and the vital role they play in the communities they serve.

With more than 140 pubs across Northern Ireland already signed up and more expected to join the roster over the next month, The Great Ulster Pub Week will feature hundreds of unique events showcasing great food, great entertainment and great craic.

The Great Ulster Pub Week will kick off on May 1 with a Guinness World Record attempt to stage the world’s largest simultaneous multi-venue pub quiz in association with Downtown Radio. The attempt, which will see registered Pubs across the province take part, will be broadcast on Downtown and aims to beat the current record of 2,679 participants in 39 venues.

Commenting at the launch of the initiative, Colin Neill from Pubs of Ulster drew attention to the vital role the licensed trade plays in the Northern Irish economy, where it contributes £1bn annually, and he added:

“Pubs of Ulster has committed significant resources to create this forward-thinking consumer focused campaign that will help to equip publicans across Northern Ireland with the inspiration, ideas and resources they require to create great events that drive football into their premises.

“Pubs are no longer just about alcohol. Trade in licensed premises is increasingly focused around great quality food, entertainment and events. The Great Ulster Pub Week will showcase all of this and more; giving people a reason to return to their local pub and, we hope, inspiring publicans to think differently about their businesses.”

As well as offering consumers nine days and nights of innovative and exciting events, The Great Ulster Pub Week will be used as an opportunity to up-skill publicans and raise industry standards.

Each pub participating in Pub Week will undergo training in social media and be offered World Host Customer Service Training, which aims to give businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors a competitive edge by providing them with comprehensive training in the importance of excellent customer service and effective communication.

For further information, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com or find The Great Ulster Pub Week on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram using the hashtag, #UlsterPubWeek