New Beer’s Resolutions

The festive season is over, and for some, that means a return to work, January blues, and wrapping up warmly as we emerge from our homes into the cold. January may be bleak, but with it comes the promise of regeneration and a fresh start in the shape of New Year’s Resolutions. I think almost everyone has made resolutions of the puritan sort at some point: giving up ‘bad’ things, aiming to go to the gym eight times a week, and the like. I think that almost everyone has broken these kinds of resolution too – so, this year, why not join me in making an achievable and enjoyable goal for 2010? I have some suggestions for both publicans and pub-goers:

Publicans:

- January might be a quieter time as people resolve to consume fewer calories – so why not use this as a motivation to fill your food menu with more than chips, pies, peanuts and crisps? This chart from the Brewers Association recommends several ales that will go down a treat with lighter food, if you’re in need of a little inspiration.

- A new year also inspires many to learn new things and try out new activities: what a good time to encourage your customers to develop a passion for beer! At BitterSweet Partnership we’ve found that many women are put off from trying beer because of the lack of information about it at point of sale. So you could try making a beer list to go along with your wine list, including more information about it on your food menu or holding a beer and food pairing evening to help your customers refine their tastes.

Pub-goers:

- January is cold and miserable enough without having to give up something you really like. Not to mention the fact that if you cut something out completely, it’ll seem like forbidden fruit and even more tempting than before! So why not aim for moderation? If you’ve decided to take up an active new hobby, such as dancing, you can afford to enjoy a little of what you fancy - 29 minutes of the twist will burn off one bottle of lager, and 22 minutes of salsa will burn off one bottle of ale.

- What could be better than making a resolution to support local pubs? Try out new ones in your area – I can’t think of a more fun way to support local business! If you’re a woman who likes pubs, why not submit your favourite to our site here to let everyone know why you love it!

Here at BitterSweet we’re wishing everyone a very happy new year – or should that be ‘new beer’?