An app called Wotzon — dubbed the search engine of pubs — is being launched by a Wakefield company.
It uses convenient and simple tech to make finding a pub simple, no matter where in the UK users are located, and gives pubs a chance to promote themselves and their latest deals or events.
Despite contributing more than £23 billion to the British economy every year, the number of community pubs has been falling. In fact, at the end of 2015, figures from the Campaign for Real Ale show that the number of pubs were at the lowest level in a decade, with an average of 20 closing their doors permanently every week.
Paul Norton, founder of Wotzon, said: “Pubs are part of the British culture and to see so many closing down is disheartening. Being a real ale lover myself, I saw a gap in the market for a search engine that could help me find which pubs have my favourite ale on draught. Local pubs should be part of the community — our app can help them become a hub once again.
“Whether customers are looking for a regular quiz night in their area or a pub that sells their favourite drink while on holiday, Wotzon can bring up a host of suitable establishments for them to try.”
The app was officially launched to Android users on February 7 at the Pub17 Conference in London. The iOS version is currently in development and will be ready mid-March.
It is free for users to use and they are able to create an account and save searches and preferences. For example, if they are always looking for a dog-friendly pub, this will always be selected in their search no matter what location.
