Reflections of a Reluctant Pub Landlady - The Final Chapter
Introduction
As I sit down to write this 50th and final blog in my “Reflections of a Reluctant Pub Landlady” series, I find myself reflecting on what a journey it has been. Running a pub was one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences I’ve ever had. It’s a world like no other – a whirlwind of long hours, relentless demands, and moments of fun and satisfaction that make it all worth it.
I wasn’t planning on getting too involved in pubs. The reason I call myself a ‘reluctant’ landlady was because I was going to be a silent partner, my son and husband were going to run it and I would remain a HR Director. But the business ballooned, I was drawn in by necessity, curiosity and quite frankly to protect my investment.
The Highs and Lows of Running Pubs
When I entered the pub world, I did so with eyes half open. I thought I understood the challenges, but nothing quite prepared me for the enormity of being tied and paying ridiculous prices for my products, the impact of COVID-19, my trade being hit by the Novichok incident, long term road closures, just how many staff are willing to steal from you or leave at the drop of a hat, what a vulnerable target you are for robberies, and that is before the day to cay challenges you face. But every day is different, and every problem requires a new solution.
But there were many highs too. The satisfaction of a hosting a wedding and enabling everyone to have a great time. Winning a Great British Pub Award two years running. Being a finalist in the Businesswoman of the Year in the local business awards. Watching 88 cobras parking up in your car park on a meet or vintage steam engines on the way to the Dorset Steam Fair. Reading the 95% of reviews which were lovely. Employing some great staff and watching them develop, or show flair through amazing table decorations, towel art or wonderful specials. There were so many laughs along the way.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing, of course. There were times when I wondered if I’d made the right choice. The hospitality sector is tough, and as rewarding as it can be, it comes with its fair share of sacrifices. From long days and late nights to the constant juggle of staff and customer expectations, running a pub is not for the faint-hearted. I often found myself learning lessons the hard way, but in those challenges, I grew – both as a person and a businesswoman.
Leaving Pubs
After many years of running pubs, I decided it was time for a change, to ring the final bell for last orders! Coming out of the sector was scarier than I expected. Once you’ve worked for yourself, especially in such a hands-on role, going back to work for others can feel restrictive. I took on a couple of paid HR jobs, but the pull to create something for myself, something that could help others in the industry, was too strong to ignore.
Pub Doctors® was Born!
That’s when I founded Pub Doctors®. Drawing on my experiences and the lessons I’d learned along the way, I set up a business offering coaching, consultancy, and HR services specifically for pubs. The goal is simple – to help landlords and landladies navigate the complexities of running a pub while avoiding the pitfalls I had faced. Pub Doctors® was born out of a desire to support others in the industry, combining my passion for hospitality with my skills in coaching and HR.
Setting up Pub Doctors® has been a great venture too. I have learnt so much, from creating websites, the importance of niches to how to get your name trademarked, and I am eager to see where this journey will take me. I’ve learned that stepping out of your comfort zone, whether by running a pub or starting a new business, is daunting but incredibly rewarding. I may have entered the pub world with my eyes half open, but I left a more rounded HR professional, a better businesswoman and am excited for whatever comes next.
Thank you for following my journey. Here’s to new beginnings and continued growth – for myself, for Pub Doctors®, and for all of you who dare to take on the challenge of running a pub. Cheers!
— Liz, Founder of Pub Doctors®
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