Name: Nicholas West Pub: St Aldates Tavern, Oxford City Centre How long have you worked in the pub trade? Eleven years - starting part time behind the bar in a small country pub in Surrey. I fell in love with the trade there, moved to Brighton for my first Managerial positions before stints in London, Cambridge and Oxford so far. What made you want to become a publican/licensee? When I was at Uni in Brighton, I decided I preferred working behind the bar as opposed to becoming an Accountant. It was the best decision I ever made! Describe yourself using three beer style characteristics: Bright, Sessionable, Full bodied Where do you think the future of ‘the local pub’ lies? Getting the demographic right is paramount to a successful Local Pub. Attracting the right type of customer is equally as important as customers finding the right type of pub in which to enjoy a drink. In my experience the’ local’ vibe is something that is created by having a happy, loyal local clientele which is maintained by the licensee and staff - retention is key - equally a good local pub is welcoming to strangers, some of which in turn will become locals. Excluding this one, if you could run a pub anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why? Well until the hurricanes took it out, I would have loved to have run the bar on Nekka Island; Richard Branson’s private Island in the Caribbean. It had the sand, the sea, the sailing weather, and looked amazing. Which three famous people (from history or alive today) would you most like to share a pint with, and why? Dennis Bergkamp - my childhood hero when I started supporting Arsenal in the 90’s, doubt I would be able to ask many questions, perhaps just an autograph and a photo or two. David Attenborough - one of the most knowledgeable people on wildlife and such a great voice. I would love to hear about the travels and experiences of his many years in the business. John Cleese - the sheer comedy genius of Mony Python is enough reason and what mixes better than comedy and beer! What words of wisdom would you give someone thinking of running their own pub? Don’t forget to have a life! Long hours are to be expected. I topped 93 hours one week and vowed never to do it again. The whole point of running a pub for me is to be able to enjoy it. If you could have a superpower; what would it be, and why? A locator for lost things – I’m constantly looking for pump clips! Or occasionally when a member of staff comes in and says they have lost their till key, I could tell them which pocket or room they left it in this time!
