Newcastillians know how to unwind and enjoy their weekends, flocking to their favourite bars for social drinks after a long week.
But have you ever wondered just how much alcohol is consumed in Newcastle pubs over the weekends?
In the pursuit to better understand just how much alcohol is consumed and what are the top sellers, we spoke with two local pubs.
Lee Ryan from Renstels shed some light on the matter, highlighting that weekends are bustling at the local watering hole, with Newcastillians shifting into weekend mode as early as Thursday evenings.
Lee reveals, “If we have 96 beers in the fridge on a Thursday night, we are lucky to have 12 beers left by Sunday morning.”
The preferred beer choices among patrons are Black Label and Castle, with an average individual consuming around 12 beers throughout the weekend.
Furthermore, Lee emphasises that patrons also have a fondness for brandy and whiskey.
Richelieu, Harriers, and Olof Bergh top the list of preferred brandy and whiskey options, with customers staying loyal to their favourites despite the challenging economic climate.
Lee shares that Renstels has to restock each Tuesday with fresh cases of Harriers, Richelieu, and Olof Bergh due to the high demand over the weekends. She mentions, “With the brandy and whiskey, two people can run their bill up to R1000 in one night over the weekend.”
Friday evenings at Renstels offer a special treat with an Olof Bergh brandy promotion, attracting most patrons to indulge in this particular brand. Additionally, Jägermeister and Tequila have gained popularity among shooters options, since the end of COVID.
Renstels receives four bottles of each per week, but by Saturday morning, they need to restock with an additional two bottles.
Notably, the age groups frequenting Renstels are not younger individuals but rather those aged 35 and above.
Moreover, the Pint and Pigout also witness a healthy interest in social drinking, with the Pint attracting a younger crowd ranging from early 20s to 45.
Norbert Kade from The Pint states, “Our biggest consumers though are students who are on holiday from ‘Varsity. They spend big.”
When it comes to drink preferences, Norbert says, “Over the weekend, we sell on average eight to 10 kegs of beer. Ciders are four to five cases, whereas we sell a case to a case and a half of whiskey and brandy.”
Despite the economic climate, he added that patrons do not seek cheaper alternatives and stick to their preferred brands. However, he noted that most bar and pub establishments did see a brief dip in business during the first three weeks of winter, as people acclimatised to the change in winter.
Nevertheless, with locals and travellers supporting our local pubs and enjoying a good night out, just how much alcohol do you consume over the weekends and what is your brand of choice? Be sure to let us know in the comment section below.
In conclusion, as Newcastillians indulge over the weekends, responsible drinking habits become crucial. The importance of designated drivers, taxis, or calling sober friends to fetch you, is emphasised to ensure safety during nights of fun.
This follows Newcastillian News reporting on the severe reality and consequences of drunk driving, with law enforcement officials warning about the negative impacts on one’s life and future if caught driving under the influence.
To explore the implications further, click here.
With this, all in mind, don’t forget to leave those comments and drink responsibly.
