COVENTRY has hosted its first ever cocktail week and brought in nearly £300,000 to the local economy.

A total of 31 popular bars and restaurants took part in the 10 day festival, organised by M.ad Agency in partnership with Coventry BID.

Businesses welcome around 150 extra customers due to the scheme, which raised a total of £291,250.

Coventry BID supported the scheme, aiming to drive more football into the city centre during late summer.

Joanne Glover, chief executive of Coventry BID, said: “Coventry Cocktail Week has proven to be a huge hit with locals and visitors, as well as our fantastic city centre venues.

“The brilliant feedback from customers and businesses has shown us just how important these initiatives are in supporting our hospitality sector, and we’re thrilled to see the positive impact on the local economy as well as helping more people access the top-quality bars in the city.

“This the first time that we have done this, and it’s had a clear positive impact, so we are already planning to bring it back bigger and better for next year.”

Lubos Greso, general manager at Cosy Club, said the week brought some fantastic energy into the city, which was amazing to see.

Reece Ridgway, general manager at Turtle Bay Coventry added it brought so many benefits to the city’s nighttime economy – and it’s been brilliant to see venues working together with some fantastic support from the BID to make it a success.

Alice Christison, company director at M.ad Agency, added: “It has been amazing to bring cocktail week to Coventry and we are thrilled with the response not only from the public, but also businesses.

“The purpose behind these events is to encourage old and new customers through doors and to help support the hospitality industry.

“We really believe we have achieved this with year one of the event and look forward to growing this year by year within the city.”