Brewery group looks to embrace great outdoors

❝ The desire to be outside has increased [amid the pandemic] and that trend is carrying on. Going forward, if possible people will want to be outside Jonathan Lawson

People’s desire to socialise outside following the pandemic could drive big changes within the pub and restaurant industry, the boss of one of the UK’S biggest brewery groups has said.

Jonathan Lawson, chief executive of Liberation Group, which also owns Butcombe Brewery, believes demand for outdoor space will only continue to grow – even when restrictions are lifted.

Channel Island-based Liberation Group has 124 pubs in its estate, many of which are reopening this month.

The business has invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into its sites as it prepares to reopen, including developing an app to serve people outside and putting a greater focus on outdoor dining with new pizza ovens.

“The desire to be outside has increased [amid the pandemic] and that trend is carrying on,” said Mr Lawson. “Going forward, if possible people will want to be outside.

“The trend around staycations is also going to continue. There is going to be a strong demand for local products and staying local.

“There is changing behaviour from people. Even as people go back to offices, I don’t think we will see people working five days a week in the office any more.”

Mr Lawson said the pubs in the group’s estate that were reopening were the bigger venues – some of which had space for more people outside than in. The rest of the sites would be reopened gradually, leading up to the hoped-for lifting of all restrictions on June 21.

Despite one of “the most challenging years”, Liberation Group, says Mr Lawson, is in a good position – unlike many other hospitality businesses in the South West. The business has been able to generate revenue through its brewery businesses while its pubs and restaurants are closed.

“We have worked very hard to protect cash and we have very supportive investors. The business is in a good position. We are feeling confident about the future.”

However, the brewery boss says it is “vital” the prime minister sticks to his “roadmap” out of lockdown.

“There have been a lot of twists and turns in the last 12 months,” he said. “Our prime minister seemed to be confident to hold to the timelines of the roadmap, and when I look at case rates I can’t see why we can’t. It’s really important they stick to what they committed to.”

He has also called on the Government

to look at ways to help the industry in the longer term, including providing business rates relief.

“It’s great [the Government] cut the VAT rate, but I think there needs to be a look at that within the industry. We are not looking for subsidies but we are looking to grow and invest.”

He added: “We need to get pubs reopened. We have been investing in our business since the new year and that will be the focus next year. We have very ambitious plans.”