Two Pints of Beer and a Packet of Crisps Please – will sip and shop catch on?

Two Pints of Beer and a Packet of Crisps Please – will sip and shop catch on?

A Pint of beer and a basket of shopping may be the latest trend in grocery shopping – and it might just catch on!

Shoppers at a Leicestershire convenience store can now enjoy a cold beer at the same time as they pick up their groceries. The new venture at Nisa Local Earl Shilton has seen the family of retailers install draft beer in the bistro at the rear of their store as part of plans to create a unique experience for customers.

Sukhi Dhami, owner, said by putting everything together under one roof they are driving sales as well as customer satisfaction.

“When we first launched, we designed the eating area as a coffee shop with a barista and offered cakes and light snacks.

“During Covid we closed it down and moved a hot unit into the store and served pastries and pizzas. They absolutely flew out and so we decided to expand by offering proper lunches in the bistro and it has just grown from there.”

Pig on a Fork

The bistro has been re-branded and is now known as the Pig on a Fork with new bespoke signage and matching menus and draft beer has just been added to the offer making the location a great choice for evening meals as well as snacks and light bites during the daytime.

“It’s a nice place for people to come and really looks the part. People are coming in and having a bite to eat with their kids after school.

“Now we have added the draft beers it means our shoppers can really treat themselves when they come in and with it all being under one roof it is a unique set-up.

“We think it is something a little bit different to offer. We know lots of the big supermarkets do coffee shops and cafes, but how many offer a nice meal and a drink of wine or a cold beer?

“It is driving extra sales and we are getting so much good feedback,” said Sukhi.