Inaugural Coventry Cocktail Week brings six-figure economic boost

Coventry’s bars and restaurants are toasting the city’s first-ever Cocktail Week after it brought a six-figure boost to the local economy.

The inaugural cocktail week generated a direct economic impact of £291,250, as popular establishments took part in the city-centre wide promotion last month.

The 10-day festival, organised by M.ad Agency in partnership with Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), helped visitors access exclusive drink deals across 31 local bars, restaurants and pubs.

Participating businesses welcomed an average of 154 extra customers thanks to the programme, with many visiting for the first time.

Plans are in place to bring back the popular initiative for next year and 94 per cent of business which took part have said they plan to be involved again.

Coventry BID supported the initiative with the aim of driving more footfall into the city centre and giving a late-summer boost to local businesses.

The BID works with its levy payers to make the city centre a vibrant and safe place to visit and work, and levy-paying businesses were able to register free for the event.

Coventry Cocktail Week is the latest in a string of initiatives being implemented by Coventry BID to support hospitality businesses and the night-time economy.

Joanne Glover, Chief Executive of Coventry BID, said: “Coventry Cocktail Week has proven to be a huge hit with locals and visitors, as well as our fantastic city centre venues.

“The brilliant feedback from customers and businesses has shown us just how important these initiatives are in supporting our hospitality sector, and we’re thrilled to see the positive impact on the local economy as well as helping more people access the top-quality bars in the city.

“This the first time that we have done this, and it’s had a clear positive impact, so we are already planning to bring it back bigger and better for next year.”

Feedback showed that 91 per cent of wristband holders, used to access the discounts, plan to return next year, while 83 per cent reported an improved perception of Coventry’s hospitality scene.

Additionally, 70 per cent of non-local attendees said they would now visit Coventry more frequently.

Lubos Greso, General Manager at Cosy Club, one of the participating venues, said: “Coventry Cocktail Week brought some fantastic energy into the city, which was amazing to see. The impact was absolutely brilliant and a great way of attracting new customers, and we’ll definitely be taking part next year.”

Reece Ridgway, General Manager at Turtle Bay Coventry, said: “Coventry Cocktail Week has brought so many benefits to the city’s nighttime economy – and it’s been brilliant to see venues working together with some fantastic support from the BID to make it a success.

“The roll out was very smooth and there has been loads of benefits for customers. We had plenty of engagement throughout each day, and we’d be thrilled to see it return next year.”

Alice Christison, Company Director at M.ad Agency, added: “It has been amazing to bring cocktail week to Coventry and we are thrilled with the response not only from the public, but also businesses.” 

“The purpose behind these events is to encourage old and new customers through doors and to help support the hospitality industry.  We really believe we have achieved this with year one of the event and look forward to growing this year by year within the city.” 

“The feedback we receive from venues is exceptionally positive and it is great to know our event is having a direct impact on their business. Our goal has always been to support local businesses and that’s exactly what we’ll continue to do. I would also like to thank the BID for supporting this event. Cheers to Coventry Cocktail Week and we cannot wait for the next event next year.”