Market forces

PUB BOSS SAYS CHRISTMAS STALLS ARE HITTING FOOD AND DRINK VENUES' TRADE

- ADAM MAIDMENT

ON A TYPICAL Thursday night, Joule bar would usually be packed out with office workers and beer lovers as they enjoy a near-end-ofweek tipple.

But, like most nights this month, it has instead been 'dishearteningly' quiet.

The craft beer shop and tasting room, located on Chapel Street in Salford, has garnered a reputation amongst locals since opening two and a half years ago as a spot to enjoy good independent and specialist beers and is just a short walk away from the offices dotted throughout Spinningfields.

But co-owner Kevin Fenton believes that he has lost more than half of his regular custom since the Manchester Christmas Markets returned to the city centre this year. With thousands of stalls offering food, drink and other wares, Kevin says he has lost a number of his regulars as a result of the ever-popular markets.

"We noticed an impact last year but it was nowhere near like it has been this year," Kev said. "Our tea time trade is often filled with the office workers from Spinningfields - they're a big part of our turnover - but since the Christmas markets, they have just gone. We've not seen any of them."