Improved facilities installed in club bars
United fans will see the first signs of planned improvements to the stadium bar areas for the opening home game of the season tonight as Heineken UK head towards a speedy conclusion of the installation of their new facilities, including the introduction of new brands of beer, lager and cider.
Heineken UK’s Regional Manager Martyn Vevers said: “There is always a lot of work involved when you come into a new facility but we do try to get it completed as quickly as we can.
“In this case, we know how important it is for the club to get things in place and working, and I think that’s the same for the fans. Everyone is the same, they want good bar facilities and good beer, and it’s our aim to bring that to Brunton Park over the next two years.”
“We started the work we saw as critical as soon as the contract was agreed and we’re delighted to say that we’re going to be able to turn it round faster than we initially thought,” he continued. “Most of the bar areas will be up and running for Tuesday night’s game against Chesterfield and the remedial work will be done going forward so that it becomes much smoother for all concerned in a relatively short space of time.
“We really have looked at every aspect as part of our takeover process. We’re installing beer coolers in key areas to ensure the serving temperature is right, because one of the complaints the club has been getting is that the draught beer hasn’t been cold enough.
“The other big improvement, as far as we’re concerned, is that we’ve put fast-pour taps in areas where we tend to see a lot of people. That should speed up the service dramatically and it should also help to make it a better overall experience for our supporters.
“Those who use Foxy’s Restaurant and the Sunset Suite will see that their beer will now be served Extra Cold, with the other bars benefitting from the new fast-pour system. The new brands – John Smiths, Fosters and Strongbow – will be available for sale at the Chesterfield game and from the feedback we’ve had we know this is already a popular move.”
Sales and Marketing Director Phil King said: “When we spoke to Heineken UK it was important for us to gauge what could be done quickly to improve the customer experience. The fast-pour system and the provision of Extra Cold facilities are examples of where they have been able to deliver on the key areas which were spoken about.
“Long term there will be a number of other improvements, but fans will be able to see the positive direction this is taking from the moment the season kicks off. There will training days with Heineken so the staff can get fully up to speed with the new systems and a regular line cleaning schedule is in place so that quality can be guaranteed.”
“In terms of the other side of the bar, and using the Sunset Suite as an example, we’re looking to make improvements to how the facilities look and feel,” he explained. “That’s a longer term aspiration because I think we all acknowledge that most of our public areas need to be refreshed and, in some cases, updated.
“We also want to add to the match day experience, particularly before and after kick off, and we’re looking at inviting former players along to come and mix with the fans and perhaps carry out some question and answer sessions. With the improved levels of service from Heineken UK we’re hoping this will give people more reasons to come along, join us and make a day of it.”
“I’ve been coming to Brunton Park for 40 years and I’ve never missed a season,” Martyn Vevers concluded. “It means the world to me to have my company back here and trading with Carlisle United.
“As I say, it’s been a quick turnaround and we’ll be looking to have everything completed within the next few weeks. It’s all very positive, with the major improvements which we feel will make a difference already in place. It’s a move that Heineken UK are very proud of and we’re determined to make a success of it.”
Bookings for Foxy’s and our Legends Lounge are now available for upcoming games with hospitality packages starting from only £20 - to book contact commercial@carlisleunited.co.uk or call 01228 554 155.