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Seaside Travel owners hail pub rescue as events bring in the punters
The owners of Seaside Travel are reaping the benefits of reviving a village pub as the agency chain is hosting events in the venue – and regulars are booking holidays.
Nicola Park and Barry Coatman – known as Mr and Mrs Seaside – took over as landlady and landlord at the Royal George in Old Shotton, near Peterlee, in September after it had closed in July.
After a renovation, the pub re-opened in October and has held staff training and tour operator events – with more in the pipeline.
Park and Coatman, who run the 13-shop travel agency chain in northeast England, live nearby.
They are now known by pub regulars as ‘Pat and Frank Butcher’, after the publicans from EastEnders – in addition to their other nickname of ‘Mr and Mrs Seaside’.
Paula Gleeson, head of business and commercial at Seaside Travel, said Park is a “very savvy businesswoman” who can generate cross-promotional benefits for both businesses.
The agency hosts events with tour operators and because suppliers pay for room hire and food, the funds support both businesses.
From branded beer mats to branded Seaside Travel vehicles in the car park, the pub can help to promote the agency in many ways.
“We will hold a Fred Olsen Cruise Lines takeover event here on May 30, with the pub being like different parts of a cruise ship, with the restaurant, entertainment and an outside area with deck games,” said Gleeson.
“We’re also talking to easyJet holidays about an ‘orange’ takeover, perhaps with a drag queen and bonkers bingo.
“We are trying different things as we don’t want to be the same as other companies.
“We could have a tour theme, such as Mexico, with tequila and tacos – the chefs are onboard.”
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The pub has a staff of 25, including manager Kirsty Kitson, used to work at Seaside Travel and had also previously worked at the George.
“This pub is massive for the community – we had our first quiz night a week ago and we had a lot of Seasiders; it was chock-a-block and people see that on social media,” said Gleeson.
“We also show the football matches here and will have themed nights soon.
“We offer incentives to staff, especially in peaks, and they can now win a voucher for the George – so that supports the two businesses.”
She said senior Seaside managers often work in the pub so the locals are getting to know the team too.
“We have more meetings here than the [Seaside Travel] head office in Wingate as it’s a lovely atmosphere and it easy for tour operators to get here,” added Gleeson.
“Homeworkers can come here for meetings and have coffees with tour operators – or a glass of wine.
“We also have a box at Sunderland’s football stadium so I host tour operators.
“Last night I was in the box with Seasiders and locals from the pub – and we got two bookings last night from some of the locals.”
Below, from left: Nicola Park and Barry Coatman; agents training with George Morris, Domes Resorts
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