Mitchells & Butlers evolves Nicholson’s with cask ale and cider focus; plus enhanced training: Mitchells & Butlers is evolving its 85-strong flagship Nicholson’s Pubs with the re-opening of a pilot site, the Clarence in Mayfair, on Friday. The move follows “excellent sales growth in cask ales”. The new venue will offer “enriched design and shared knowledge of its choice of quality ales, quality food and drink menus and distinctive heritage”. A spokesman said: “The first stage of the pilot scheme begins with a £300,000 investment including a refresh of The Clarence’s exterior and interior design, blending its rich history and character with a more modern look and feel for today’s guests. The refurbishment is designed to provide an enjoyable and relaxing escape both in the bar and the upstairs dining room with its new, contemporary furnishings.  There will also be heightened connectivity between the local cluster of Nicholson’s Pubs and to The Clarence’s individual heritage through specially designed ‘interest pieces’. “The re-designed drinks and back bar fitting will become a focal point to help communicate the company’s drinks expertise and knowledge with its extensive cask ale range. Guests can peruse at leisure the “Beer Library” which includes books, artefacts or even purchase kegs for sale, or review the newly designed guest ale menus. Nicholson’s Pubs will continue to promote its creativity and innovation by providing premium British pub dishes delivered in modern style and will build on its cask ale reputation by developing its UK keg offer with UK craft beer and cider to evolve the range further.  Playing on the heritage, the creation of a concise and focussed gin and sparkling long drinks menu will celebrate the legacy of William Nicholson and his original gin distillery.” Nicholson’s is also be developing enhanced training plans to help staff deliver an informed, warm and intelligent service across its pubs. “We’re very proud of our passion, drive and expertise within the cask ale sector and feel we’ve been able to push the boundaries in delivering quality products to our guests” says Ben Lockwood assistant brand manager of Nicholson’s Pubs. “We’re constantly reviewing where we can enhance the customer experience further, by sharing our heritage and knowledge through design touch points, but also sensitively transferring product knowledge, from choice of ales to beer and food matching with our menus.”