Drink Talking: Matt Jackson
To be successful in the trade requires hard work, determination and a vision says Matt Jackson of the Water Witch in Lancaster.
It will sound an odd argument to undermine the industry that I love so much. However, I believe that we should continue to be critical from within rather than simply allow sniping from the government, police, and the media until we can correct the problems. Over the years the standards, practices, and commitment to the trade, in my opinion, have declined. Above pub level, the industry is run by soon-to-be-sacked fast-track graduates who like to drink in a pub, but couldn't pull a pint, along with faceless accountants hell-bent on homogenising the trade and clueless owners.
At pub level the industry seems as a whole to be run by part-timers who are there to earn additional income to their professional job or student life. As a proud professional, I am always upset to see exploited assistant managers and bar supervisors, with huge bunches of keys as their only credibility, while the licensee is "resting" instead of taking an interest in the business, strategies or even, dare I say it, the customers.
Conversely the other extreme is possibly worse. Licensees who want to take on the world and his wife alone, as they feel they simply can't afford to employ staff. This actually neglects any business development as it is impossible to realise any potential while the responsible people are tired, stressed and downright depressed.
One day it will be my dream to walk into a pub and find a choice of product marketed in a manner that appeals as if someone cares, and staff who know about their products - where it's from, what it tastes like or how it smells.
Look around you and assess the successful operators. I am sure they were not all blessed with pots of money to back their business - they were blessed with a vision, hard work, and determination. Having said that, if you have read this far it probably indicates that you are one of the few still interested in the trade as a profession, and will succeed on others' failures.