Goring Social Club Summer Bar News
The past year has proved to be quite a successful one for the Social Club despite a tide of potential problems which we have had to cope with. It’s just over a year now since the no smoking ban came into force and I’m pleased to be able to tell you that our bar sales have more than held their own during this period. Despite the rise in prices caused by inflation-busting increases in the costs of barley, wheat and hops together with the huge rise in fuel (distribution) costs, members are coming into the Club and drinking well. Even the Chancellor’s unsubtle attempt to raise taxes through his increase in Excise duty on beer, wine and spirits in March has failed to stem beer and wine consumption in the Club.
In the first six months of this year members and their guests downed over 670 gallons of Fosters, 285 gallons of Stella and 250 gallons of Amstel lager. Pretty good going, for all these figures were up on equivalent sales last year. The three real ale pumps have also done well – we have sold over 600 gallons of Butlers Oxfordshire Bitter, over 260 gallons of Wadworth 6x and 470 gallons of ales from the guest pump. These figures again collectively represent an increase in the amount of ale sold compared with the first six months of last year.
A members’ wine tasting session was held in June to consider new wines for the Club as our regular wines were becoming short in supply. After sampling a range of wines provided by our local supplier ‘Wineman’, it was decided to stay with a new vintage of our existing wines. Unfortunately wine prices have had to be increased due to higher production and distribution costs and the rising value of the Euro. The French Leduc Rosé continues to be the most popular wine in the Club.
Sales of soft drinks and snacks are holding up well despite some price increases. I know members are aware that our bar prices are still the cheapest in the surrounding area and represent excellent value for money. Happy drinking!
Keith Grant
Secretary and Bar Chairman
