Brews & Eats

The Beer Column by Brewery Bird

Ever dreamt of running your own pub? I mean, c’mon, how hard can it be standing around all day pouring beer, chatting to customers and taking their hard-earned cash?

The thought of ditching the 9 to 5 grind in favour of being master of your own destiny (and bar), polishing the glasses whilst waiting for the first of your many regulars to arrive, ready to dispense sympathy, wisdom and witty repartee sounds almost too good to be true.

And whilst many go into the trade having wisely researched the industry, possessing the entrepreneurial skill to take on a pub and make their mark, firmly embedding it in the very soul of the community, and ensuring its continued longevity; others perhaps lured by the empty promises of devious pub companies or just naivety, fare not so well.

The Bitter Truth

According to a Happiness survey undertaken by the Office for National Statistics last year looking at the relationship between different occupations and life satisfaction, publicans it turns out, are the unhappiest of the lot. The Publican‚Äôs Morning Advertiser found that more than half of licensees claim to have suffered from, or been diagnosed with stress, with 42% saying they have suffered from depression. One in nine also confessed to alcohol dependency, with just one in 10 stating their current health as good. Little wonder when you‚Äôre staring a 70+ hour week in the face, coping with everything from 7am deliveries (when you were up till 2pm), staffing issues, supplier negotiations, endless admin, licensing, blocked toilets on a busy Friday night, and of course customers. Because when the proverbial hits the fan and you’re juggling more balls than the Cirque De Soleil it’s your charisma and charm that keeps the customers coming back. That and your ability to keep a good pint, which in itself is an acquired skill.

And if you’ve opted for food-led enterprise, then you‚Äôd best add on another 20+ hours, because aside from the hassle of having to hire yet another Head Chef because the last one hid all the knives and went walkabout, there’s even more admin and legalities to contend with courtesy of the FSA (Food Standards Agency).

Ironically, the profession that took the top spot in that aforementioned Happiness survey were clergymen/women. Polar opposites at first glance, but both appear to be markedly similar in their approach to maintaining their respective posts attracting a customer-base, dispensing bread and wine and offering a sympathetic ear. Of course, it’s not all bad news. Whilst around 26 pubs are still closing a week, there are many whose fortunes are turned around by knowledgeable and enthusiastic patrons. So let’s pledge our support on this side of the bar and raise a glass to those who undertake this revered profession.