Are you being served?

Fancy a pint, but don’t want to join the scrum at the bar? A new Manchester bar and restaurant called Taps offers self-service draught facilities on every table.

The new system uses computerised technology to allow customers to pull their own pint, or whatever size measure they choose.

A digital display then tells the table and the barman how much has been served. The taps are also equipped with a cut-off point, enabling bar staff to turn off the supply at their discretion.

Each table serves the premium continental lager Amstel, accompanied by either Duvel Green, Leifermans Summer Fruits or Vedett White. By reserving a table, customers can ensure they get their preferred selection.

The venue also features a selection of wines, cocktails and spirits, while head chef Liam Holuj has developed a menu with a Belgian edge to complement the specialist beers and lagers on offer.

Nick Thornton comments: “Manchester’s restaurant and bar scene is a diverse mix but we feel that there is space for something new that offers customers a unique experience that they will not find anywhere else. You don’t have to queue at the bar or buy in set measures, at Taps you pay for what you pour and nothing more.”

Taps is the first venue in the north west of England to install this device, which was recently developed in the USA.

Located at the foot of the Great Northern Tower on Watson Street, the business is owned by Nick and Geoff Thornton and marks the latest addition to the portfolio of Thornton Inns Ltd, which also owns the northern-based chain of Epernay Champagne bars.

Gabriel Savage, 11.08.09