6 steps to starting a pub<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n1. <\/strong>Choose between freehold, leasehold, and tenancy<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> Choosing the legal basis for your pub is a key concern \u2013 you\u2019ll need to choose between freehold, leasehold, and tenancy, and tied or free of tied.<\/p>\n\n2. <\/strong>Get trained<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> If you\u2019re running a pub for the first time, you need to think about training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. <\/strong>Think about legal compliance<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> There\u2019s a range of legal obligations you\u2019ll need to fulfill when running a pub.<\/p>\n\n4. <\/strong>Recruit staff<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> Great pubs need great staff. Learn where and how to recruit.<\/p>\n\n5. <\/strong>Think about stock<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> You\u2019ll need something to sell! Build your menu and find suppliers.<\/p>\n\n6. <\/strong>Develop your business<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> Feeling ambitious? Take some steps to build your business further.<\/p>\n\nCheck out more details on each point below.<\/p>\n\n
First, check out the most popular pub names in the UK<\/h2>\n\n
After analysing more than 5,000 pubs across the country, Simply Business research found the top 10 most popular pub names. Does your pub’s name feature here? <\/p>\n\n![\"most-popular-pub-names.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/most-popular-pub-names.jpg?w=815\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\nHow to run a pub \u2013 step-by-step<\/h2>\n\n1. Choose between freehold, leasehold, and tenancy<\/h3>\n\n
There are three ways in which you might run a pub. In a freehold<\/strong>, you will own the pub outright. For this you\u2019ll probably need a mortgage. However, freehold pub owners can generally negotiate good discounts with suppliers.<\/p>\n\nIn a leasehold<\/strong>, you take on the right to occupy the pub for a fixed term. A lease might be created by a landlord such as a brewer, or could be sold or assigned by another pub owner. The pub is sold as a going concern.<\/p>\n\nIn a tenancy<\/strong> agreement, you assume the right to occupy the pub for a short-term period, normally up to three years. However, the tenancy may roll over under the Landlord and Tenanct Act. Under a tenancy, you can\u2019t reassign the right to occupy \u2013 so you can\u2019t \u2018sublet\u2019 your pub.<\/p>\n\nYou\u2019ll also need to think about the \u2018tie\u2019. In a pub that is free of tie, you are able to choose which suppliers you deal with. In a tied arrangement, you have to buy from a specific brewer or pubco (a company that owns a chain of pubs). Freehold pubs are generally free of tie.<\/p>\n\n
2. Get trained<\/h3>\n\n
If you\u2019re running a pub for the first time, you might need some training. You\u2019ll need a personal license, along with several other certificates for things like personal license operation and health and safety. If you\u2019re leasing from a pubco, they might also require you to complete other, more specific training.<\/p>\n\n
3. Think about legal compliance<\/h3>\n\n
In addition to legal requirements like health and safety training and personal licenses, you should also consider insurance \u2013 read more about the insurance responsibilities for pub owners and tenants.<\/p>\n\n
Insurance for pubs<\/h4>\n\n
Simply Business can help you get the right insurance for your new pub. Some of the covers to think about include:<\/p>\n\n
\n- Public liability insurance<\/a>, which can protect you if someone suffers an injury or damage to their property as a result of your business<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Employers’ liability insurance<\/a>, which you’re likely to need if you have employees (if you need it and don’t have it, you could be fined)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Buildings insurance<\/a>, which can cover your premises for damage caused by a disaster like a fire or flood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
You can tailor a policy to the needs of your business. Start building your pub insurance<\/a> policy now.<\/p>\n\n4. Recruit staff<\/h3>\n\n
A pub is only as good as its staff. You need to know where to hire the right people \u2013 and, crucially, the skillsets that you require. Luckily, there\u2019s a growing number of dedicated pub and hospitality recruitment companies in existence all around the country.<\/p>\n\n
If you\u2019ve not hired anyone before, read more about hiring your first employee<\/a> \u2013 and, crucially, remember that you\u2019ll need employers\u2019 liability insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n5. Think about stock<\/h3>\n\n
Stock is a key consideration for any pub owner. If you\u2019re in a tied pub, you\u2019ll be required to buy from the relevant brewer or pubco. However, if you\u2019re free of tie, you may be able to negotiate good discounts with suppliers.<\/p>\n\n
If you have the freedom to choose suppliers, remember that the quality of what you\u2019re selling is one of the most important factors in a pub\u2019s success. If you\u2019re serving food, try to make sure that you\u2019re using the best produce your margins can bear, and for drinks, make sure that you\u2019re offering an exciting, balanced series of options \u2013 and don\u2019t leave out non-drinkers!<\/p>\n\n
6. Develop your business<\/h3>\n\n
Finally, once you\u2019re on your feet, you might want to start thinking about developing your business further. Whether this involves taking on new pubs or expanding an existing one, there\u2019s plenty of options. Whether you’re running pub quizes or booking events in the back room of your existing venue, or exploring the local chain model perfected by groups like London’s Antic Pubs, there’s a huge range of ways in which you can develop your pub and its brand.<\/p>\n\n
You should also make the most of online marketing. From creating a website for your business<\/a> to learning SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), there’s lots of opportunity to promote your business digitally. It’s also a good idea to get to grips with online review sites<\/a>, so you can read and respond to customer feedback.<\/p>\n\nReady to start your pub?<\/h2>\n\n
Running a pub is fast-paced and exciting. Come up with a strong concept and business plan, do thorough market research and focus on how you can make your pub stand out in your community.<\/p>\n\n
\nIs your pub insured?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We have 800,000 UK policies plus a 9\/10 satisfaction score. Why not take a look at our specialised pub insurance<\/a> – including the likes of public liability insurance<\/a> and stock cover<\/a> – and run a quick quote now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. <\/strong>Get trained<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> If you\u2019re running a pub for the first time, you need to think about training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. <\/strong>Think about legal compliance<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> There\u2019s a range of legal obligations you\u2019ll need to fulfill when running a pub.<\/p>\n\n 4. <\/strong>Recruit staff<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> Great pubs need great staff. Learn where and how to recruit.<\/p>\n\n 5. <\/strong>Think about stock<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> You\u2019ll need something to sell! Build your menu and find suppliers.<\/p>\n\n 6. <\/strong>Develop your business<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong> Feeling ambitious? Take some steps to build your business further.<\/p>\n\n Check out more details on each point below.<\/p>\n\n After analysing more than 5,000 pubs across the country, Simply Business research found the top 10 most popular pub names. Does your pub’s name feature here? <\/p>\n\n There are three ways in which you might run a pub. In a freehold<\/strong>, you will own the pub outright. For this you\u2019ll probably need a mortgage. However, freehold pub owners can generally negotiate good discounts with suppliers.<\/p>\n\n In a leasehold<\/strong>, you take on the right to occupy the pub for a fixed term. A lease might be created by a landlord such as a brewer, or could be sold or assigned by another pub owner. The pub is sold as a going concern.<\/p>\n\n In a tenancy<\/strong> agreement, you assume the right to occupy the pub for a short-term period, normally up to three years. However, the tenancy may roll over under the Landlord and Tenanct Act. Under a tenancy, you can\u2019t reassign the right to occupy \u2013 so you can\u2019t \u2018sublet\u2019 your pub.<\/p>\n\n You\u2019ll also need to think about the \u2018tie\u2019. In a pub that is free of tie, you are able to choose which suppliers you deal with. In a tied arrangement, you have to buy from a specific brewer or pubco (a company that owns a chain of pubs). Freehold pubs are generally free of tie.<\/p>\n\n If you\u2019re running a pub for the first time, you might need some training. You\u2019ll need a personal license, along with several other certificates for things like personal license operation and health and safety. If you\u2019re leasing from a pubco, they might also require you to complete other, more specific training.<\/p>\n\n In addition to legal requirements like health and safety training and personal licenses, you should also consider insurance \u2013 read more about the insurance responsibilities for pub owners and tenants.<\/p>\n\n Simply Business can help you get the right insurance for your new pub. Some of the covers to think about include:<\/p>\n\n You can tailor a policy to the needs of your business. Start building your pub insurance<\/a> policy now.<\/p>\n\n A pub is only as good as its staff. You need to know where to hire the right people \u2013 and, crucially, the skillsets that you require. Luckily, there\u2019s a growing number of dedicated pub and hospitality recruitment companies in existence all around the country.<\/p>\n\n If you\u2019ve not hired anyone before, read more about hiring your first employee<\/a> \u2013 and, crucially, remember that you\u2019ll need employers\u2019 liability insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Stock is a key consideration for any pub owner. If you\u2019re in a tied pub, you\u2019ll be required to buy from the relevant brewer or pubco. However, if you\u2019re free of tie, you may be able to negotiate good discounts with suppliers.<\/p>\n\n If you have the freedom to choose suppliers, remember that the quality of what you\u2019re selling is one of the most important factors in a pub\u2019s success. If you\u2019re serving food, try to make sure that you\u2019re using the best produce your margins can bear, and for drinks, make sure that you\u2019re offering an exciting, balanced series of options \u2013 and don\u2019t leave out non-drinkers!<\/p>\n\n Finally, once you\u2019re on your feet, you might want to start thinking about developing your business further. Whether this involves taking on new pubs or expanding an existing one, there\u2019s plenty of options. Whether you’re running pub quizes or booking events in the back room of your existing venue, or exploring the local chain model perfected by groups like London’s Antic Pubs, there’s a huge range of ways in which you can develop your pub and its brand.<\/p>\n\n You should also make the most of online marketing. From creating a website for your business<\/a> to learning SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), there’s lots of opportunity to promote your business digitally. It’s also a good idea to get to grips with online review sites<\/a>, so you can read and respond to customer feedback.<\/p>\n\n Running a pub is fast-paced and exciting. Come up with a strong concept and business plan, do thorough market research and focus on how you can make your pub stand out in your community.<\/p>\n\n We have 800,000 UK policies plus a 9\/10 satisfaction score. Why not take a look at our specialised pub insurance<\/a> – including the likes of public liability insurance<\/a> and stock cover<\/a> – and run a quick quote now?<\/p>\n\n\n\nFirst, check out the most popular pub names in the UK<\/h2>\n\n
<\/figure>\n\nHow to run a pub \u2013 step-by-step<\/h2>\n\n
1. Choose between freehold, leasehold, and tenancy<\/h3>\n\n
2. Get trained<\/h3>\n\n
3. Think about legal compliance<\/h3>\n\n
Insurance for pubs<\/h4>\n\n
\n
4. Recruit staff<\/h3>\n\n
5. Think about stock<\/h3>\n\n
6. Develop your business<\/h3>\n\n
Ready to start your pub?<\/h2>\n\n
Is your pub insured?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n