New pub chain states blueprint for success

Pub operator Charlie McVeigh has started building a new London chain, The Draft House, founded on principles which he believes are the key to success in this troubled sector.

The first branch has already opened on Clapham’s Northcote Road, while the second venue is due to appear in Battersea at the end of January.

Each branch of The Draft House will be founded on the premise of providing a local public house, offering an unrivalled range of beer, honest food, fine wines and friendly service.

The idea evolved from McVeigh’s existing business, The Westbridge on Battersea Bridge Road. The team there noticed that the more eclectic their beer offer, the busier the pub became and the better its atmosphere. The Westbridge is now due to be converted into a further addition to The Draft House chain, relaunching in February 2010.

While acknowledging the difficulties currently faced by the pub industry, McVeigh said: “Well-run pubs as well as regional and micro-breweries of quality are thriving.” He continued: “We believe passionately that a public house with great beer, good food and genuine warmth still has a place at the centre of every community.”

The Northcote Road branch offers 17 beers on draught and more than 50 beers by the bottle, covering all corners of the world. The pub’s house ale, Wandle, comes from local Battersea brewery Sambrook’s.

As part of its aim to encourage discovery through tasting, The Draft House not only serves pints and halves, but also third of a pint measures. Indecisive or adventurous customers can order a “Pint of Thirds”: a selection of three beers, each served in its very own third of a pint glass.

McVeigh explained his desire “to do for beer what our culture has done for food and wine in the past 20 years, namely to take it seriously. In beer terms, this means being passionate about the sourcing, cellaring and serving of a diverse range of local and international beers of all descriptions.”

Head Chef Simon Noumar has worked with restaurant consultant James Kirby to create a beer-friendly menu. Starters include potted Gressingham duck, Padron peppers or artisan cheeses, each served as sharing plates.

For the main course, expect the classic beer-battered fish and chips with mushy peas, as well as more original but equally satisfying pub fare, such as roasted Tuscan sausages with lentils and baby fennel.

The Draft House also promises brunch specials, afternoon tea and Sunday roasts, while a cheese of the week, sourced locally from Hamish Johnston on Northcote Road, is available for free sampling every weekday from 6-7pm.

Gabriel Savage, 05.01.10