An update from Bars Manager Mat Ansell
Bars Manager Mat Ansell says his staff have successfully cut down on waiting times during match days and new products are also being introduced to further meet the needs of supporters.
With two successive home matches coming up, Mat expects his team to be busy, but he believes the club is now providing a more efficient, reliable system at the bars for supporters.
And Mat (pictured above) also brought us up to date with new products that will be on offer in the bar areas, starting with Saturday’s home match against Northampton Town.
Mat said: “There has been quite a demand from supporters for a sparkling orange drink. Sunkist orange is the number one selling orange drink in the USA so we are sure it will go down well with supporters. Our range of wines by the glass has now expanded to offer Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blush and a Cabernet Sauvignon as well as our current Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Merlot. A deal that better supports the club has been struck to change from Coca Cola to Pepsi. This will provide the same standard of product, but will give us better equipment.
“Two different ales will continually run side by side for match days. Work is being done behind the scenes to ensure our AFC Wimbledon ale drinking fans are in for a treat at some point in the future, with a new product becoming available. Hopefully, this will be available as early as the New Year.”
Those supporters enjoying the match day experience in the President’s Lounge also have new products to choose from.
Rekorderlig Strawberry and Lime and Passion Fruit flavour ciders, along with a range of malt whiskeys and a VSOP & XO Brandy, have all been introduced. A new range of wines as well are also on offer and for those extra special celebrations you can purchase Moet & Chandon and Dom Perignon Champagne.
Since 2013/14 started, the club’s bar staff have worked hard to introduce a more efficient service for supporters and Mat believes this has worked to good effect.
“The rate at which we've been able to serve beer has increased drastically over the last three matches with half-time and full-time pre-pouring being a resounding success,” Matt added. “The new tills have been a sound investment by providing us with the figures to do this accurately to ensure our fans get top quality beer without the wait. The tills have also enabled us to process transactions quicker.
“If anyone has been put off in the past by waiting times at the bars, then please do give us a second chance. Supporters can also order drinks for half-time before the match in the back bar.This enables you to get your pre-match pint and pay for a second, which will be waiting for you with your name on it to simply collect without queuing at half-time.”