'Friendly staff... most of the time'

Pub uses online reviews on billboard

- Angus MCINTYRE

A BRISTOL pub has embarked on a marketing campaign with a twist, putting up a giant billboard featuring some less than complimentary customer reviews.

Three graphic design students at the University of the West of England, who are also regulars at The Drapers Arms on Gloucester Road, worked with landlord Garvan Hickey to come up with the quirky way to advertise their favourite pub.

Garvan said he wasn't convinced by the idea at first, but the students won him over with their enthusiasm and marketing expertise.

“Comments like, “Normally excellent - but not last night” and “Friendly staff; most of the time” might well be genuine reviews but they're certainly not typical,” he said.

“However, I know about beer, these students know about graphic design and marketing - and the finished article looks great.”