Pub crowdfunding campaign reaches £3m with soap star backing

A crowdfunding campaign by Authentic Alehouses aimed at creating a profitable future for British pubs has hit £3m.

The company launched its funding bid to revive the fortunes of currently under-performing pubs by attracting a new generation of customers with a menu of quality artisan food and drink, updated décor and a wider variety of entertainment.

It has tapped in to the behind-the-scenes expertise of two former soap celebrities to stress just how important all those elements are in keeping and attracting more regulars.

Sheree Murphy, who played Tricia Dingle in Emmerdale, and former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson joined Authentic Alehouses in a radio campaign supporting its plans to combine the traditional community spirit of a local with a very modern business approach.

They confirmed how soap landmarks like the Woolpack and Queen Vic have fallen behind the times in terms of looks and what they offer to customers, reflecting a need for change in many real life pubs.

Sheree, who pulled pints in the Woolpack for almost a decade, says off-screen the soap stalwart would struggle in a competitive 2017 food and drink market. She said: “There are so many alternatives out there now, so just relying on the same old pie and pint, and hoping people will come out of habit, doesn’t work anymore.

“Pubs need to look at what their customers like – lots more people love to cook now and experiment with ingredients – and they value the care and craft that goes into making the food and beers they order when they go out.”

Authentic Alehouses aims to raise £5m on the Crowdstacker platform, offering investors an attractive 6.5% pa interest rate through a peer to peer loan. Backers are also given the potential to earn income tax-free by investing via Crowdstacker’s Innovative Finance ISA.

It plans to use the capital to refurbish sites in prime locations, streamline and modernise their operation to cut down on wastage, and introduce higher quality food, a broader range of new drinks and more family-orientated entertainment.

Allan Harper, CEO of Authentic Alehouses, said he was thrilled to reach £3m and to have the support of so many investors. He said: “Soap pubs might not have to survive in the real world, but so many others do and we’re confident we know what it will take to make them relevant and successful again.”