RE: So you want to run a pub

Well written Robert. If it wasn't likely to be so near the truth it would have been a very funny read.

RE: So you want to run a pub

Thanks Sam.

Not sure i see the point in writing something comical that may only have a small nugget of truth though (apologies in advance Robert if this is a true account !).

Surely writing a true account would deliver a more damning version of events to make a true complaint on, rather than fabricating something (again apologies if this was true)?

RE: So you want to run a pub

Another brilliantly funny and poignant piece from Robert Sayles, even if it has left LTLFTB claiming to be ‘confused’.

As LTLFTB thinks Robert’s piece is fabricated for comedic value, perhaps having attended a Pub Co road-show himself, he can tell us the reality of such events. What confuses me is whether prospective ‘partners’ are made aware of the level of tied prices. Did LTLFTB manage to pick up a copy of the Pub Co’s supply price list or any other helpful factsheets on things like dilapidations, rent review criteria or the advantages of Brulines, for example? Did he have chance to chat with existing tied lessees producing net profits in excess of £100,000 per year of whom we hear so much? I’ve never met one myself but I guess masses of highly-satisfied affluent ‘retail partners’ on parade would surely be a feature of such an event. It must be like getting access to the Winners Enclosure on Derby Day.

How strange his open-day experience consisted of just being given an information pack and being asked for documents for a credit check. That doesn’t sound very exciting or inviting, but assuming the credit checks went through OK, has he signed up yet, and how’s it all going?

RE: So you want to run a pub

Arthur, not a problem; I'm happy to share my experience - that's what these forums are for, no?

I suppose the easiest way to answer is;

Price List - no, i wasn't given one. I didn't really have a specific pub in mind, i just went along for a look really. I was told that my price list may depend on what pub i choose as i may be entitled to discounts to help so they said the AM would discuss it with me and bring a draft one when we discussed specific pubs in more detail.

Dilaps - referred to in the code of practice they gave me, along with repair clauses in different leases.

Rent reviews - referred to in the code of practice they gave me.

Brulines - mentioned and discussed, although i didn't agree with much they said as who would?!

Existing tenants - no i didn't chat with any existing tenants in the pubco's stables, but i did talk to a few while getting a drink, etc...

I find your impression of an open day odd, how was your experience so different? I mean, of course these people are trying to sell the idea that a pub is a 'sure thing', but that's their job; it's on us to research what we're taking on.

My result came back fine and i was offered the choice of 2 pubs, both of which were not my cup of tea and I didn't see them as being winners in anywhere near the 3-4 months the AM thought was possible. So i walked away from that particular offer.

Don't misunderstand me, Arthur, I'm not pro-pubco in the slightest, I just cannot stand people who fabricate silly little stories to get attention when the truth would be so much more succinct and would deliver a much stronger message.