Higgs and Dove were recently awarded Licensee of the Year (LOYA) 2025 by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII).
But when the pair took over the Three Horseshoes, which is an Admiral Taverns pub, two and a half years ago, it marked a turning point not only for the venue but for their careers.
“It’s about making sure everyone is treated the same and has the same great experience.”
Mike Dove
Higgs brought 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, though he had never owned a pub himself.
Meanwhile Dove came from a background in recruitment and HR. Despite differing paths, their shared vision had been brewing for more than a decade.
That vision was to create a safe, welcoming hub for the community and a space where everyone felt at home, whether popping in for a pint or enjoying a meal.
Great experiences
“When we were interviewed for the pub, we said whatever happens we want to be a hub for the community and it had stopped being that to a degree.
“It’s about making sure everyone is treated the same and has the same great experience,” Dove explained.
The pub has become known not only for its Cotswold stone exterior and quirky interior décor but also for its eclectic events, from a reggae DJ during its busy Sunday service to regular fundraising events, including donations to local food banks and community initiatives.
“It’s getting tougher and tougher. Pubs have become a luxury for people, so we need to work harder to make every visit worth their time and money.”
Mike Dove
Being named Licensees of the Year was, in Dove’s words “completely surreal.”
Even being shortlisted felt like a win, he added, but the national recognition was validation for staying true to their values.
“We never entered awards in the beginning,” said Higgs.
“We do this for us and our community, but to be recognised when you’re not chasing it means even more.”
However, behind the accolades lies the tough reality of running a pub in a challenging economic environment.
Tough environment
Rising business rates and energy bills teamed with a lack of Government support present daily hurdles, Dove said.
He continued: “It’s getting tougher and tougher. Pubs have become a luxury for people, so we need to work harder to make every visit worth their time and money.”
Higgs added the politicians who enjoy going to pubs are the same ones failing to help them: “The politicians able to make decisions, they love going to pubs and restaurants, it’s woven into the fabric of this country. But the way they are not supporting the great British pub is terminal for a lot of places.”
One way they could support the sector, he urged, was to cut VAT on food for hospitality.
“Pubs are an important part of the community and the country, it’s not just about having a beer, they are inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome.”
Tommy Higgs
“If pubs and restaurants close because it’s not financially sustainable anymore, millions of people will lose their jobs, from brewers to food suppliers and cleaners”, Higgs added.
Despite the challenges, Higgs and Dove remain determined. They credit their success to being approachable, present, and taking pride in the business.
Dove said: “You can still be commercially successful and give a damn about your community and your team.
“If you do that, you’re going to be successful. It’s all one circle for us as far as we are concerned, just be decent and be kind.”
Fantastic team
That mindset extends to their staff, too. With a reduced team of 19 from a previous 28, they’ve focused on cross-training and development.
“If you hire the right people and train them the right way, you will have a fantastic team.
“Many of our staff can now work both front and back of house”, Higgs explained.
The award process itself also served as a valuable reflection point, he added: “It’s helped us look at our business in a different way and made us look at what we are doing and able to roll out.”
Their food offering exemplifies their “never conform” spirit by offering traditional pub favourites with a modern twist yet priced to stay accessible.
More than the food and drink, Higgs and Dove are proving pubs can be lifelines for communities.
Higgs said: “If we weren’t here, we wouldn’t be able to donate to charities or give free vouchers away for the local food bank.
“Pubs are an important part of the community and the country, it’s not just about having a beer, they are inclusive spaces where everyone is welcome.”
