Leicester real ale chain teams up with TheMusicLicence to highlight the value music brings to their business

Leicester-based The Real Ale Classroom, owned and run by two former teachers have been working with music licensing organisation, PPL PRS, to highlight how music helps them to connect with their customers and staff.

You can view the full interview and find out more about TheMusicLicence and the Real Classroom here.

The real ale pub chain, which has three venues across Leicestershire was the brainchild of Ian Martin and Steve Tabbernor, who quit their teaching jobs in 2015 and set up their first micro-pub in the city’s Stoneygate area.

The brand then went on to expand and open another ‘classroom’ in Lutterworth, and more recently opening a larger establishment in the city centre’s Cultural Quarter.

This venue plays host to various events, including Leicester Comedy Festival, jam sessions, hip hop nights, along with dance and art events.

Amongst these is a monthly ‘Jazz on Vinyl’ afternoon hosted by The Basement Presents, and TheMusicLicence joined the team at Real Ale Classroom for the event in February to hear the story behind the business, and hear how music plays a big part in their customer and employee engagement.

Co-owner Ian Martin said: “Music is an essential element in our pubs, our staff enjoy playing music when they are setting up and are empowered to select their playlists for the ‘background’ music, which plays while we are open to create the right vibe. We also have a lot of live music and DJ nights and as ex-teachers we have always believed in supporting grassroots music. The Music Licence provides Artists with further support and reward for their work, which I believe is critical if we are to maintain the UK’s superb music scene. Our venues vary greatly in terms of the live music offer and PPL PRS staff make it very easy for us to differentiate between each, so that we are paying the appropriate rate.”

Manjit Sian of The Basement Presents on Jazz on Vinyl: “It’s not a club vibe, it’s not background music, I would say it’s more a listening experience. Relaxed, communal, you can have a few drinks, chat with friends, and really sit in the music. I don’t think Leicester has got another event like this at all. Kudos to The Real Ale Classroom for putting it on every month.”