Inch’s X Patch Competition Returns With New Pub Garden Consultation and 10K Prize for Three Winners

* In partnership with Patch, Inch’s Apple Cider is returning with its biggest giveaway by gifting three publicans a £5,000 pub garden makeover plus £5,000 towards their energy bills

* New for this year, the prize will include a one-to-one session with a pub garden design expert who will help publicans implement their prize and maximise their current space and £5,000 towards energy bills

Inch’s Apple Cider is relaunching its successful on-trade prize promotion for the second year running, in partnership with online plant shop, Patch. Thanks to the collaboration, winning publicans will be gifted £5,000 to split on their personal selection of plants from Patch and Inch’s Cider point of sale, including branded parasols, windbreakers, bunting and glassware. Going the extra inch in 2023, the brand will also be supporting winners with £5,000 toward their energy bills this summer. As well as this, Inch’s will be giving away a one-to-one session with a specialist pub garden consultant who will advise on how winners can maximise their selection of Patch plants and POS in their unique outdoor space. The consultant will also be able to guide winners on how to utilise their current outdoor space and amenities to the fullest.

Recent research shows 53% of pub-goers say they are more likely to visit a pub with a beer garden, second only to food as the most important factor when picking a venue[1]. The tailormade plant bundles will help the winning operators welcome customers by complementing their outside space. Plus, Patch’s easy-to-follow tips will help each winner to easily maintain their blossoming space. Winners will also be able to get their hands on supporting marketing materials to help them get summer ready. With all this, and Inch’s Cider on the bar, the lucky winners will be set for the summer season.

The Red Kite in Blaydown-on-Tyne, one of the Inch’s x Patch prize winners last year, had this to say: “A lot of the regulars have commented on how great the garden looks and love the plants and POS. Customers have been asking about Inch’s after seeing the makeover in the garden and want to try it out.”

Rachel Holms, Cider Brand Unit Director at HEINEKEN UK said: “After the success of last year, reigniting the Inch’s x Patch partnership was an absolute must for 2023. And this year, we are gifting our biggest giveaway yet to support operators through the summer season.

Inch’s sustainability credentials are a huge part of our brand, we make our cider using 100% British apples, grown within 40 miles from our Hereford mill and any waste, we convert into biofuel. By creating greener spaces in pub gardens through this competition, we will also help operators attract consumers who resonate with these credentials. As we work towards a greener future, we are excited to partner with Patch again, who share our aims.

We understand that rising costs have made the running of venues across the country increasingly difficult, so hope to offer some temporary relief by supporting winners with their energy bills over the summer. With operators having invested in their gardens over the last few years to boost capacity and dwell time, the next step is looking for ways to further optimise this space. With help from a specialist pub garden landscaper, operators can look to implement ideas that can make their outdoor space work even harder for their business.”

Freddie Blackett, CEO at Patch: “With warmer months just around the corner, Patch’s easy outdoor range can turn any sun spot into a leafy paradise. Winning operators will be able to choose from a selection of our low-maintenance plants and flowers, which work well in any pub garden. Winners will also be able to organise an appointment with one of our specialist plant doctors, who have the cure for any plant related queries. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Inch’s for a second year running, as we set out to create greener spaces for much deserving publicans across the UK and help operator's outdoor space come to life so they can make the most of the summer trade.”

The exclusive on-trade competition will run until the 14th May 2023 and is open to all UK publicans. Inch’s Apple Cider has the fastest growing rate of sale versus competitors in the market at +118% versus 2021[2], and is available on draught and in 500ml bottles across the on-trade. To find out more and be in with a chance of winning, simply click here.