Henley brewer and pub operator Brakspear is bringing back its popular boater hats. Launched in time for the town’s Royal Regatta (1-6 July), the straw boaters, which became the headwear of choice in Henley last summer, are again being offered free with the purchase of five pints of Hooray Henley, Brakspear’s seasonal ale available during July.
Forty-one Brakspear pubs are taking part in the boater hat promotion. Customers simply collect a stamp on their collector card every time they buy a pint of Hooray Henley, a 4% ABV zesty blonde beer. Last summer, more than 1,200 drinkers claimed a boater and sales of Hooray Henley were more than double the previous year’s level.
Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said, “A refreshing pint of Hooray Henley, a classic boater hat and the Royal Regatta are the very essence of summertime in Henley. We’re delighted to be offering the boaters again this year and expect them to be worn with pride, not just by visitors to the Regatta, but in pub gardens across the Brakspear estate, throughout the summer.
“The boaters were well-used last year, thanks to the glorious weather, so let’s hope that they are in similar demand this summer as their wearers enjoy lasting sunshine and warmth.”
Following the success of the boater offer, Brakspear has run two further hat-based promotions, giving a Santa hat away with its December seasonal ale, Oh Be Joyful, and a bowler hat with Brakspear Bitter during April. Both generated redemptions from several thousand customers and a huge uplift in seasonal beer sales in participating pubs.
Attached image: the Brakspear boaters as worn at the Catherine Wheel, Goring-on-Thames
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Issued on behalf of: Brakspear
Further information: Ros Shiel/ ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137
8th July 2014