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Free Hospitality Publications
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Restaurant Industry News
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Tuesday October 24th, 2006 |
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Should You Run Your Own Pub? Take the Greene King Test
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Industry experts say that only one in three UK catering businesses survives beyond two years and taking on a pub has been the dream and the downfall of many an enthusiastic amateur. |
Being a publican requires aptitude, skills and experience - not just a fondness for good food and beer.
So, for everyone who has ever flicked through the pub property ads and thought "that'd be nice", leading UK pub operator and brewer, Greene King has come up with a 10 point test:
1. Are you a cheerful, outgoing sort of person and at the same time, a model of discretion?
2. Are you prepared to muck in when needed?
3. Do you have a good memory? You must be good at recalling faces and trivia - regulars will expect you to know what they drink and where you got to last time in their latest drama.
4. Do you like sport? A keen interest is very useful, as you will be required to give the latest score in the cricket/rugby/football/tennis and discuss the merits of the game.
5. Can you go a week without drinking? If you need a beer or a glass of wine every night, the temptation to exceed this could prove too great.
6. Do you still have energy at 10pm? You don't have to be a night owl, but if you fade at 9pm, the pub life isn't for you. Have you got the stamina to work consistently long hours?
7. Can you add GBP2.60, 3 x GBP1.95, 2 x GBP1.50 --- oh, and a bag of crisps, 50p? If you're behind the bar you will have to be able to add up a round of drinks accurately and at other times you will have to negotiate with suppliers, carry out regular stock takes, keep your accounts in order, analyse the impact wastage has on your margins, complete tax returns and calculate National Insurance contributions for your employees.
8. Can you do two or more things at once? You need to perform mental gymnastics, keeping several conversations going at the same time, while serving customers, taking cash and handing out change.
9. Are you good at DIY? It's like running your own home, but on a much larger scale - drains get blocked; machines go on the blink; things need fixing. If you can do at least some of it yourself, it's quicker and cheaper.
10. Do you make an impression when you walk into a room? You don't have to be big, but you do have to have the kind of presence that says, "I'm your host your are very welcome here" or at times "Don't mess with me!"
If you've replied "yes" to all 10 questions, what are you waiting for? If the answers have been "no", then best stay this side of the bar.
Have you ever fancied running your own pub?
www.greenekingpubs.co.uk or call +44(0)1284-714497
Fancy managing a pub?
www.manageapub.co.uk or call +44-(0)1284-714453
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