Fancy calling time...
We will be here to support you every step of the way
We are an independent family-run business, passionate about working in partnership with our pub business owners. All our pubs are tenanted, have no corporate branding and rent is a percentage of turnover. We are all closely aligned on ensuring your business is a success, here to support when you need it whilst giving you the independence to run your business your way.
If you are interested in running a pub, we have some of the most beautiful in the South West – along the Jurassic coast, in historic towns and villages, and amongst the rolling hills of Dorset, Devon and Somerset.
“
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.”
– Simon, Crown Inn
training & support
Become our partner and benefit from our first-class support, training, and great reputation.
Hear from Palmers Pub Owners
Hear from one of our existing Pub Business Owners, Matt, who runs the Anchor Inn at Seatown, in the video below.
Hear from more Palmers Pub Owners
Need some more persuading? See what more of our pub owners say about their experience working with Palmers...
“They go out of their way to ensure we have everything we need…”
Working with Palmers is like working with family. We are lucky enough to have got to know most of the team over the years and everyone is so friendly and helpful. They go out of their way to ensure we have everything we need, they know our aspirations and are always happy to look at ways to improve the pub and help us to meet our goals.
– Hannah & Jaap, Three Horseshoes, Burton Bradstock
“We liked Palmers the best of the lot…it was a very much friendly, laid back attitude...”
“We had three interviews, the first one was with Eldridge Pope, the second with Gales and the third was Palmers, with Tim Woodrow. We liked Palmers the best of the lot, it just felt more homely, as if they were a family unit. It felt like you were being hugged by this nice large family. It wasn’t someone sitting there plying you with questions, it was a very much friendly, laid back attitude.”
– Pat, retired former owner, Five Bells Whitchurch Canonicorum
“palmers had a very good reputation and had won awards for how they work with their tenants...”
Ben visited The Ship Inn, Lyme Regis, and fell in love with the pub. At this time, the pub was not currently on the market, so Ben went off back to London. After a year and a half of patience, Ben finally saw The Ship on the Palmers ‘to let’ page. He wasted no time in contacting Jim Jones, Palmers Tenanted Trade Director, who arranged a pub visit shortly afterwards. Six weeks later, Ben was in and the official landlord of The Ship, ready to ‘inject life’ into the pub.
– Ben, Ship Inn, Lyme Regis
“palmers had a very good reputation and had won awards for how they work with their tenants...”
“It [running my old local] never even crossed my mind. I came back to visit my parents and decided I wanted to spend some more time in the area. Growing up, I drank in this pub and and as I had managed to get a cottage nearby, I thought why not apply to run the pub on Palmers website! I don’t really know how I got here but everything has just fallen into place and I’m very happy I made that call. It feels like I’m coming home again and now I have Moose the pub dog too!”
– Amanda, Fox & Hounds, Cattistock
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for people who want to stamp their own style on a business opportunity with passion and flair. We deliberately have no corporate image for our pubs – so it’s vital that the people who run them really make their mark and share the same family values that we do.
We are looking for pub business owners with great ideas and bags of enthusiasm.
This helps us build our reputation for ‘pubs selling food – not restaurants selling beer’!
Palmers is blessed with having a varied estate of pubs that cater for different markets. We specialise in encouraging newcomers to the trade and in owning some of the most iconic and award-winning businesses for seasoned operators to call their own.
We encourage you to get in touch even if your dream pub is not currently available, so we can get to know each other a little and be ready when it becomes available.
Pubs don’t always make it onto the open market, and we would like to make sure you are in our little black book and don’t miss out! We can then send you a ‘new pub alert’ when the perfect pub for you becomes available.
Jim Jones,
Tenanted Trade Director
Run Your Own Pub with Palmers Brewery
Frequently Asked Questions
Become a business owner with Palmers and run your own pub with the support of one of Britain's oldest independent family breweries.
Our pubs sit at the heart of their communities; from characterful village locals to iconic coastal inns, all of which offer the chance to build a thriving pub that people love.
What Running a Palmers Pub Looks Like
Palmers pubs are some of the most characterful in the South West. From historic village locals to iconic coastal inns and foodie destinations, each pub has its own personality and a unique place within the community.
Every pub differs, but the core principles of success remain the same: excellent hospitality. Well-maintained beer, a friendly atmosphere, and a strong bond with the community.
For many of our pub owners, the greatest reward is seeing their pub become a beloved spot that people want to return to; a thriving business at the heart of the locality.
Starting Your Journey
Do I need pub experience to run a Palmers pub?
Not necessarily. Many Palmers pub business owners come from retail or management backgrounds, while others have previously run restaurants or pubs. What matters most is great people skills, good business sense, and an energy and passion for hospitality. We provide plenty of guidance through the application process, along with support to help you get started and have a superb track record of nurturing talent from an early stage.
What qualities make someone successful as a Palmers Business owner?
Successful business owners blend excellent hospitality with keen commercial awareness. They enjoy engaging with their community, take pride in managing a great pub, and are driven to develop a successful food and drinks offering. Organisation, leadership, and attention to detail are also commendable qualities when running a pub.
How much money do I need to get started?
All of our pubs vary significantly in nature, so the exact amount needed can differ. However, you should expect to have enough funds for ingoing costs, initial stock, and working capital to run the business confidently from day one. We will discuss all financial expectations openly during the recruitment process so you can properly assess the opportunity and avoid any surprises along the way.
What training and onboarding will Palmers provide before opening?
We offer guidance and support before you take on the pub so you understand how the business operates, including cellar management, operational expectations, delivering the offer, the property, and the structure of the tenancy. Our aim is to ensure you start with the confidence and knowledge needed to run the pub successfully from day one.
Will Palmers help me build a business plan?
Yes. Preparing a business plan is a crucial part of the application process. We offer guidance and tools to assist you in developing realistic forecasts and a clear plan for managing the pub.
Can couples or partners run a Palmers pub together?
Yes. Many Palmers pubs are operated by couples or family partnerships. Running a pub can be a rewarding lifestyle for the right partnership, combining business ownership with community involvement.
What sort of lifestyle should I expect when running a pub?
Running your own pub can be demanding but also highly rewarding. You'll manage your own business, lead a team, and create a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. It demands commitment and hard work, but many pub owners find the independence and community aspect incredibly fulfilling.
Will I live at the pub - and what accommodation is included?
All of our pubs offer private accommodation for the Business owners. The size and layouts differ depending on the property, but they typically provide adequate living space for individuals, couples, or families at a quality you would be happy to live in.
How long does the application process take?
The process usually starts with an initial conversation, followed by preparing a business plan, interviews, and financial checks before the tenancy is confirmed. The exact timing varies depending on the pub and the recruitment stage, but it typically takes 6-8 weeks. We ensure that everything is carried out properly and in accordance with the industry code of conduct we adhere to, so there are no surprises later on. Our relationships are built on trust, and all aspects are discussed thoroughly during the application process.
RUNNING THE BUSINESS
What kind of support will I receive from Palmers once I'm running the pub?
You'll work closely with our operations and property team, who provide guidance and regular business support. You will also have access to specialist support across areas such as marketing, all things digital, cellar standards, and operational advice.
How much freedom do licensees have over menus, pricing and events?
Palmers pubs are run by independent business owners who bring their own character and ideas to the table. As a Palmers pub business owner, you influence the food, events, and overall style of your offering to suit your customers and community. Palmers provides support as a partner, offering advice and guidance when needed, but the pub's personality ultimately reflects the people who run it.
What training opportunities are available after opening?
Palmer's provides ongoing advice and development opportunities in areas like cellar management, compliance, business performance, and food operations to assist business owners in continually improving their pubs. We believe the best support is personalised, ensuring everyone receives the advice they need without unnecessary information.
What standards are expected for cellar management and beer quality?
At Palmers, we take pride in the quality of our beers, and excellent cellar management is crucial. Pub owners are provided with all the tools needed to maintain the highest standards of cellar hygiene, stock rotation, and dispensing. A great pint encourages repeat custom, and we have the expertise to help you serve the perfect pint every time.
How involved is Palmers in the day-to-day running of the pub?
You would run your own independent business. Palmers acts as a supportive partner, providing guidance, advice, and support when needed, while giving pub business owners the freedom to manage their pub in a way that suits their market.
Agreement & Investment
What type of agreements does Palmers offer?
All Palmers pubs operate under traditional tenancy agreements rather than leases, meaning most property repairs are the brewery's responsibility, and there are no managed houses competing for investment.
Are Palmers pubs tied?
Yes. Palmers pubs operate under a traditional tied model, meaning beers, ciders, wines, spirits, and other drinks are supplied through the brewery in accordance with the tenancy agreement. While tied for drinks, the range on offer is excellent, so you shouldn’t feel restricted by the products available. There is no tie on food, allowing operators to choose their own suppliers and support local producers.
How is rent calculated?
Palmers operate a turnover-based rent model. Rent is calculated as an agreed percentage of net sales, meaning that when the tills are ringing, the rent rises with it, and when times are slower, the rent reflects the lower turnover.
How are repairs and maintenance handled?
Palmer's is dedicated to preserving the quality and character of its pubs and offers access to its property department for building advice and guidance. Specific repair responsibilities are detailed within the tenancy agreement and will be discussed during the onboarding process, so you will clearly understand who is responsible for what.
Lifestyle & Opportunity
Why do people choose to run a pub with Palmers?
Palmers is an independent family brewery with a rich heritage and a reputation for quality beer and well-managed pubs. Many pub owners appreciate the partnership approach and the chance to run their own business with the support of an experienced, established family brewery.
What makes Palmers pubs special?
Palmer's pubs are renowned for their character, history, quality, and location. Many are charming village, coastal, or destination foodie pubs that sit at the heart of their communities.
Updating page...