Pubs in the area

There are a lot of pubs in the surrounding area but I have chosen three to look at. I will compare these pubs to see what the competition for the Cottage pub is.

The Bugle

http://www.theprinceconsortpub.co.uk/

The Bugle is a pub on the waterfront in Hamble, a short walk from Netley. It is a grade II listed building that has been traditionally restored. The use of flagstone, solid oak and woodburning stoves creates a timeless interior. This pub is owned by Ideal Leisure who are based in Southampton.

The interior offers that typical rustic feel. It is quite light but lacks colour injection. Everything is very wood orientated with only the upholstery of the chairs and stools being the only fabric. Although it is rustic looking it lacks the homely feel associated with this style.

This pub has a dedicated dining area that is similar in style to the bar area. Where this pub is owned by a company I think it is lacking in the personal touch The Cottage Inn can offer their customers. Not only in decoration but service as well. The Cottage Inn however at this present time does not offer dining to their customers but it is something that needs to be looked at as this is in the pipeline.
Images sourced from http://www.theprinceconsortpub.co.uk/

Prince Consort

http://www.theprinceconsortpub.co.uk/

This pub is in Netley and quite close to the entrance of the Royal Victoria Country Park. This pub offers food too. It have been re-decorated in the past couple of years with a modern approach. I really don't think this suits this particular pub. The area has so much history and I feel that this interior doesn't reflect that, it could be anywhere. This pub is also by the water but you wouldn't know it. It is too contemporary for it's surroundings and customers.

The contrast in the dinning area and bar is too much. Both are flooded with light but the bar is full of dark wood and the dining area full of light wood. The two don't link or flow together.

 

This pub is in direct competition with The Cottage Inn, as they are both trying to appeal to the same customers. They are walkers, locals and tourists. This pub has nothing about it that says it is different. No textures or patterns, just block colours.

Images sourced from http://www.theprinceconsortpub.co.uk/
 

The Victory Inn

http://www.victoryinnhamble.co.uk/

The Victory is also in Hamble but is not on the waterfront but is pub the road from The Bugle. It is a grade II listed building and has been a local to villagers and catered for visitors for over 300 years. The interior of the pub reflects that by retaining many features and references to the past. It is like stepping back in time.

This interior is quite dark but because it has that link to the past you expect it and would be disappointed if it were any different. It sets itself apart from the rest with its own unique selling point. You not only go for a pint but also get to indulge in history too.

It isn't a huge space but is quirky. The Victory has a restaurant upstairs to cater for more people and different needs.

Images sourced from http://www.victoryinnhamble.co.uk/

By looking at these pubs it has come to light that I need to offer the customers of the pub something a little different from what other pubs in the area are offering.

Bibliography

The Bugle. (2005) [Online] Green Design of Southampton. Available from: http://www.buglehamble.co.uk/da/17007.html
[Accessed: 17th October 2011]
The Prince Consort. (2009) [Online] PKSV Leisure Limited. Available from: http://www.theprinceconsortpub.co.uk/
[Accessed: 17th October 2011]
Victory Inn. [No Date] [Online] Available from: http://victoryinnhamble.co.uk/index.html
[Accessed:17th October 2011]