There’s no greater British pastime than a visit to the pub, and there’s no slowing down in our interest in spending time at our local. No longer are Brits just looking for a comfortable and friendly venue to enjoy a drink or two in – as it’s been revealed 4 in 5[1] (79%) consumers claim to have changed their spending preferences based on sustainability factors (including which pubs they go to).
To champion pubs across the country that are doing their bit (and more) to help the planet, HEINEKEN SmartDispense™ has today launched the first ever Green Pub Guide. It highlights some of the very best pubs across Britain striving to reduce their carbon footprint, minimise waste, and to be that little bit kinder to the planet. One pub included is aptly named The Green Man in Milton Keynes, run by campaign partner and Great British Bake Off winner.
The Guide, which is the only one of its kind in the country, heroes 55 of the British pubs, bars and restaurants that have taken substantial steps to reduce their environmental impact. From reducing energy usage to beginning the journey towards becoming a carbon neutral venue, Green Pub Guide powered by SmartDispense™ is on a mission to inspire consumers to visit their nearest green pub, whether they are local or away on a break. The Guide encourages fellow pubs nationwide to take inspiration from their publicans and look at ways to improve and strengthen their green credentials.
Designed for sustainability-minded consumers, the Guide is now available online at (link to go here) and includes full details on the top green venues, outlining the measures they’re taking to be more sustainable. Key initiatives the judges were particularly impressed with included: local and low food-mile menus, sustainable renovations and expansions, and reduction of water and CO2 wastage with equipment such as SmartDispense™, an innovative beer and cider dispense solution.
Chelsey Wroe, Head of Sustainability at HEINEKEN UK™, commented on the launch of the Guide: “Pubs are a cornerstone of British culture, steeped in tradition and fondly admired within communities up and down the country. Now more than ever, it’s crucial for pubs to do their bit for the planet, by taking steps – big and small – to reduce their impact on the planet and to make the pub experience that little bit greener. We’ve been delighted to see the range of initiatives introduced by pubs, bars, and restaurants across Britain included in the inaugural Green Pub Guide, from installing their own more energy-efficient kitchen and wildlife gardens to modernising their energy and water supplies.
“We want this Guide to not only inspire consumers to make sustainable choices and support green venues in their area going forward, but also encourage publicans across the country to implement their own ideas. We hope this will inspire more pubs and venues to join the national movement for sustainable hospitality across Britain!”
Candice Brown, 2016 winner of The Great British Bake Off, who has partnered with the Green Pub Guide powered by SmartDispense™, said: “I’m delighted to be working with SmartDispense™ to launch the very first Green Pub Guide, celebrating innovative and inspired initiatives across the country. My pub, fittingly called The Green Man, has been around for nearly 200 years, and so making environmentally conscious modernisations, whilst keeping its charm and authenticity has been so important to me. I’m always looking for new and inventive ways to make the venue more sustainable – and I’ll be taking inspiration from the fantastic eco-conscious venues who we’re proud to be listed alongside in the Green Pub Guide!”
Juliane Caillouette-Noble, Managing Director, Sustainable Restaurant Association, added: “The Green Pub Guide is a welcome innovation, helping people plan and enjoy a pub visit to their nearest eco-friendly pub. We’re delighted to see pioneering pubs championed and hope the Guide encourages them, and all pubs, to serve pints and plates that not only taste good but do good too!”
The Guide comes a year after HEINEKEN™ announced its global 2030 Brew a Better World strategy, setting new ambitious commitments aimed at driving a positive impact on the environment, social sustainability, and responsible drinking.
The Green Pub Guide includes a range of venue types, from small village pubs to larger venues with multiple sites across regions, with options to suit foodies, families, and those that simply enjoy a (greener) pint. You can visit the Guide here: www.greenpubguide.co.uk
