The Black Horse in Skipton made sure it was the prime spot for watching the Tour de France, which passed by the pub, belonging to managed operator TCG, on Saturday morning.
£1,000 by 11.00
Despite unpromising early weather, spectators were arriving at the pub from 5.00 am to bag the best vantage points. The team started to serve breakfast at 7.00, taking £1,000 by 11.00, when the sun came out and the barbecue was fired up to cater for the ever-growing crowds. The progress of ‘le peloton’ was broadcast on seven televisions and one large projector screen, so fans were able to watch the race before and after its passage through Skipton.
General manager Jenny Gallagher said, “We were determined to make the most of this once in a lifetime event and it couldn’t have gone better for us.
“We attracted a real mix of customers – local cycling enthusiasts, families, and visitors from France, Germany and Holland. Most people were rooting for Cavendish and the atmosphere in and outside the pub, and throughout Skipton, was amazing, everyone was really caught up in the event.”
Three weeks worth of thirst!
She added, “Our spectators built up a real thirst for cask ale and we sold as much on Saturday as we normally sell in three weeks. We were serving a special Tour de France ale, Hill Hammer from local Copper Dragon brewery, which just flew out. “
TCG chief operating officer Nigel Wright said, “One off events like this offer a unique opportunity for pubs, and we’re delighted that Jenny and her team seized it with both hands and made the Black Horse the place to be for the day. They planned well in advance, had the right food and drink offers, decked the pub in yellow and, most importantly, created a fantastic buzz that turned the day into an unforgettable occasion for our customers.”