The annual Green Pub Guide published in association with Heineken, has returned for a second year, this time featuring a total of 73 pubs, bars and restaurants from around the UK that have set about reducing their environmental impact.
Among them is Sedbergh’s Black Bull, one of only seven businesses from across the north west region, and one of only two from Cumbria listed in this year’s edition.
Heineken working with UKHospitality stringently judged the pubs, bars, and restaurants listed in the 2023 guide against a comprehensive set of criteria. With a particular focus on the sustainable sourcing of food and drink, the reduction of food waste, reduction of energy consumption and green energy usage, reducing materials waste such as packaging, education of staff and customers, and the implementation of systems to deliver greater sustainability.
The Guide has a twofold purpose, to encourage other pubs nationwide to take inspiration and to look at ways they can improve and strengthen their own sustainability, and to encourage the pub going public to visit those establishments that have gone that extra mile to become more sustainable.
This year The Green Pub Guide, in conjunction with Heineken SmartDispense commissioned a poll of 2000 people to help showcase pubs striving to reduce their carbon footprint, minimise food waste and increase their recycling rates.
Research conducted as part of the poll found that 49% of those spoken to were more inclined to buy goods or services from a sustainable business over one which isn’t, with 38% willing to pay extra for it. But 53% were unaware of the environmental impact of visiting a pub, bar or restaurant, and 30% felt overwhelmed and confused by conflicting advice about what is sustainable and what’s not.
Chelsey Wroe, head of sustainability at Heineken UK, said: “Brits are passionate about sustainability, and this extends to pubs, bars, and restaurants. There are many ways pubs can be more environmentally conscious; through the products they sell, how they operate and being more energy efficient. Ordering a pint at the bar is something millions of us do, but do we ever think about how that beer gets into the glass?”
Adding “This study highlights the desire that so many of us have to do more to protect the future of our planet, but it also reveals a lack of confidence in our own understanding and ability to implement more sustainable practices in our daily lives. Every person, and every pub, is at a different stage in their environmental journey. The fact so many people consider the need to be ‘green’ is a massive leap forward in attitudes and one that we hope the Green Pub Guide can help support.”
James Ratcliffe, hotelier and co-owner of The Black Bull, Sedbergh, commented: ‘’We are immensely proud that we have been listed alongside some top-notch companies in The Green Pub Guide 2023. As a team we work hard day in and day out to reduce the environmental impact of our business. We make every effort to source responsibly and locally where possible, working side by side with our suppliers to reduce, reuse and recycle and. We share our vision with our guests to, to ensure that they to play there part as much as possible in helping to maintain this very special corner of the Dales for future generations, whilst also ensuring they play their part in helping to create a vibrant place where people can live, work and do business with minimal impact.’’
