Brewhouse & Kitchen revenues rise 2.9% during first week of reopening

Brewhouse and Kitchen – the 22 site national brewpub group – has reported 2.9% like-for-like sales growth in its first week trading post the Covid-19 lockdown. The group said it attributes the “strong start” to a “measured and gradual” approach to the reopening of its brewpubs, the “considerable” amount of engagement and development with the team during the lockdown period, and a “positive and clear message” to guests about the new measures in place. The company has benefitted from a phased method of return, one that has seen one site opening every weekday since last week, followed by two sites per day this week. The group said this has given its kitchen team the “confidence” to transform its service for guests, and has also delivered a “safe and professional trading environment”. Brewhouse and Kitchen said it also decided to introduce its new order and payment platform, ‘B&K On Tap’, an online solution allowing guests to order and pay from their mobile devices. The group said it has seen an “immediate success” upon its launch, with take-up growing “exponentially” every day since reopening. It also revealed that in the lead up to Father’s Day, it trialled a Click and Collect, plus UK-wide delivery service which sold over £4000 worth of mini-kegs. In addition, in the last seven days, the brewpub group has confirmed 1000+ covers across its ‘experience days’ and it is currently working to find space to accommodate a further 1000+ covers keen to find a space. Kris Gumbrell, CEO of Brewhouse and Kitchen, said: “We are so incredibly proud of our teams across the country, working extremely hard to overcome the difficulties caused by Coronavirus, operators will not be given a second chance to make a first impression in this market. “We know from our guest research that we needed to open well and create a positive but safe environment, our staggered, intensive approach to reopening our sites, adopting further online efficiency and new technologies, has allowed us to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our team and guests.” He added: “The initiatives that have been hard fought for by our trade bodies are extremely welcome, we have been focused on building early week trading -the company will be working hard to drive Eat Out to Help Out."