20 years at the crown inn
Meet Simon, and find the secrets to running a successful pub
Chatting with Simon
You’ve been in the pub 20 years and you and your team have built up a successful business, the pub is so popular.
What’s the secret to running a successful pub for two decades? I know you’ve run pubs prior to the Crown so are somewhat of a pro!
Consistency is the most important thing. Stick to your opening hours, do what you say you’re going to do so the customers can rely on you. There’s a lot of new people who have entered the pub trade in the last 20 years who think they can come in and run it like a shop and it's not the same at all; running a pub is a way of life.
I’m in the pub all the time; people expect to go to the pub and see management. It’s reassuring to see the licensee on the premises as well as the fantastic bar staff. Shanie, my Assistant Manager, is hugely popular. She’s been here 7 years and has a great rapport with the customers. Our core team is myself, Sarah, Shanie then Anna and Jade who work weekends.
You have darts, horse racing and poker nights here, are these kinds of things key for the character of the pub and getting people in the door?
Absolutely. Friday darts brings in 6 teams across 3 boards - potentially 30 customers - and generates been reliable bread-and-butter trade from October throughout the winter. We also run Monday table skittles with 2 teams. It’s important to keep the pub’s core identity with games that bring in steady weekly trade. Players may only have one or two drinks, but that’s far better than an empty pub.
We’ve run poker every Wednesday since 2009, usually with 16+ players, some travelling from Axminster and beyond. The night creates a strong atmosphere and gives people confidence that we’ll be open and busy every Wednesday.
We’ve had live music every Saturday for 20 years. Some nights are packed, others quieter, but regular late opening until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays gives customers confidence and flexibility.
On Sundays we serve lunch, followed by live music from 4pm-6pm. Once a month we also host a popular jam session with a house band that supports visiting singers.
All of this has been built over 20 years. From the start I focused on live music and growing local teams by getting involved myself and meeting people. Because we’re outside the town centre, we need strong reasons for customers to come to us. In summer, outdoor music is packed, and the courtyard and garden are now major attractions.
How would you say the brewery has supported you during your 20 years with us?
“The encouragement of Palmers over the last 20 years has been faultless…”
Over the years, Palmers have been the most accommodating partners. I’ve worked in the pub trade 90% of my working life. My parents were publicans, so I grew up in the pub trade, and I’ve run 30 pubs in my working life - this is the one I have stayed in the longest.
The encouragement of Palmers over the last 20 years has been faultless. I think it’s unlikely I would’ve stayed for 20 years had I been working with any other brewery. I will always say to someone who is thinking about running a pub; go to the brewery and have a chat, they are simply the best to work with. Palmers are helpful, supportive and we work together in a partnership.
Do you think because it’s such a small team, that’s why it works?
Do you have any advice for someone just starting out as a landlord?
“I love running a pub in this part of the world...”
Be prepared to take on the way of life, not just a job. You get to meet people, socialise, make it fun and enjoy yourself, yes there a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes but that’s how you make it successful.
The other very important thing from the outset is to sit down and figure out the numbers, what turnover you’ll need to make the required profit; everyone’s situations will be slightly different. You need a plan. Do your research and make a business plan, be consistent, don’t expect it to happen overnight, it’ll be hard, but it’ll be so rewarding. Invest the time and you reap the rewards. I love running a pub in this part of the world, because customers in this area are very supportive and do seem to appreciate your efforts. We’ve got a great community here and there’s a lot going on, pubs are a big part of that.
Favourite Palmers pub except the Crown?
“I can’t deny the Anchor at Seatown is also a favourite, overlooking the sea.”
If I was going for a drink I would go to the George, West Bay. I like it because you can go in the lounge side and chat with your friends, or you can go in the other side of the bar for a game of pool or darts. If I was going out to eat it would be the Three Horseshoes, Burton Bradstock. Jaap and Hannah are consistently good, there’s always a great atmosphere and great food. On a beautiful summer’s day, I can’t deny the Anchor at Seatown is also a favourite, overlooking the sea.
Lastly, can you pick a favourite Palmers beer and why?
200 easily – a bit stronger and such a nice flavour – a really good beer.
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