Thinking About Running A Pub?
Want to give up you day job and strike out on your own? Then maybe you have considered running a pub. Many people who have thought about becoming self employed have considered becoming a pub landlord. Whether it is a picturesque hostelry in a country village, or a busy city haunt, many people have dreamt of running their own pub.
Before becoming a pub landlord, it is necessary to dispel a few illusions about what the job entails. It is not just about pulling points while engaging in friendly chat with the regulars. Anyone even contemplating becoming a pub landlord must realise it is time consuming and really hard work.
Pubs are part of the fabric of the British nation with a quarter of those of legal drinking age and above visiting their local hostelry at least once a week. With many regularly returning for their pint, the pub trade in the UK is huge. This means that any pub landlord faces massive competition so he has to work extra hard to ensure his is the place to visit.
A good landlord makes sure his pub has a great atmosphere. The atmosphere is as big a pull for clientle as the beer. Successful landlords recognise that fact – and that is why they are successful.
As well as creating a an attractive atmosphere in his pub, another task for the successful landlord is to introduce the right balance of entertainment for his customers. Nowadays the vast majority of British pubs serve meals. More people now choose to eat out in pubs rather than restaurants. So that means the landlord must be capable of putting on food that will attract people through the door at a price they can afford.
Next on the list for the publican is to provide entertainment. And that just does not mean the pub’s traditional football, pool and darts team. He needs to be able to lay on live music, quizzes and provide outdoor areas for families and children. Where possible he will also t have the skill to bring in outside sponsorship for certain events. A carefully planned and successful entertainment programme will greatly boost the amount of money pushed across the bar. So anyone seeking to become a pub landlord should consider carefully whether they have the skills to organise all this.
Training is essential for the prospective pub landlord and his staff. The law in the UK states that anyone who wishes to sell alcohol to the public must take and pass a licensed retailing examination and hold a personal alcohol licence.
These training courses are run by the British Institute of Innkeeping. Anyone wanting to run a pub must pass one of these courses which are run at various independent centres around the country.
