The Battle of the Beverages has begun today in Leeds, where the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers is hosting a debate to find which drink truly suits pub food the best.
Representatives from Aspalls, Bulmers, Greene King, SIBA, Matthew Clark Wines and the WSET will go head-to-head in a verbal battle to defend their cider, beer or wine as the perfect accompaniment to pub grub.
Nick Bish, Chief Executive of the ALMR, said: “Knowing how passionately each speaker feels about the product they represent, I expect the gloves to come off during the debate! I’m not going to make my mind up until I’ve heard each case, but whatever the outcome, the debate will celebrate our great tradition of enjoying a meal and a drink in a good British pub.”
Bish hopes the debate, a celebration of beer, wine and cider and their long-standing affinity with food, will have a positive impact on the pub industry as landlords struggle to match drink sales with that of food.
“It’s a challenging time for the pub industry, with operators struggling to meet high costs, and in the face of unfair price competition from the supermarkets,” he continued. “This debate will nevertheless serve to highlight the fantastic variety of great drinks that pubs and bars throughout the UK are offering. Pubs really are top notch when it comes to dining out.”
The debate is held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds at 12pm on September 24, as part of the ALMR’s Autumn Debate 2008.