26-Feb-2013 By Phil Mellows
But when he leaves the pub for the vicarage will his testicles go with him? The big question goes unanswered as Phil Mellows has an audience with publican-turned-cleric Chris Maclean.
Chris Maclean: Pubs are a force for good
13-Dec-2010 By Chris Maclean
I have long believed that the demonisation of alcohol is the single greatest threat to the licensed industry. It is the systematic removal of any...
Chris Maclean: What to do with all that glass
20-Sep-2010 By Chris Maclean
Today my recycling bins arrived. I haven't just become an eco-warrior but I am under pressure to account for my conduct in these matters. Our chef is...
Chris Maclean: Opinionated cask ale drinkers
15-Jun-2010 By Chris Maclean
I suspect all pubs that sell cask beer have their fair share of opinionated cask ale drinkers. People whose opinions vary as to what constitutes a...
Chris Maclean: For all the sabre-rattling, will people stand fast when their businesses are at stake?
26-Oct-2009 By Chris Maclean
Thirty years ago, when I was at university, I wrote the dullest paper ever. It was called "Obstacles to trade union development in the hotel and...
Chris Maclean: The art of relationship management
18-Sep-2009 By Chris Maclean
Its been a long day. Much of it has been spent teaching new licensees, and others, a course on cellar management; the skills necessary to produce...
Chris Maclean: Why the customer isn't always right
03-Sep-2009 By Chris Maclean
Do you give the customers what they want? I freely admit that isn't my main concern. Its sounds arrogant that I should be dismissive of customer's...
Chris Maclean: Are male licensees becoming obselete?
17-Jul-2009 By Chris Maclean
I suspect I deceive myself. In our relationship I like to think of myself as the businessman and my wife as the support crew. I make the decisive...
Chris Maclean: Sometimes a pointless, puerile gesture is worth it
29-Jun-2009
I have a good space ready for it and I've several customers who claim they can "tinkle the ivories" reasonably well.But my licence forbids live...
Chris Maclean: Beware of the Laminator...
25-Jun-2009 By Chris Maclean
The Curse of the Laminator. It's a pet hate of mine.Too many licensees have a half-cocked idea of the word-processing part of their computer and set...
Chris Maclean: Why I don't depend of the kindness of strangers
20-May-2009 By Chris Maclean
Last night one of my customers called me aside and told me she was available for work, should I need her. A shift here, holiday coverage there.Its...
Chris Maclean: Why refreshing payment isn't small beer
13-Mar-2009 By Chris Maclean
One great joys of the being a licensee is the ability, from time to time, to pay people with beer.Now before the tax and revenue people start acting...
Chris Maclean: Why I'm checking up on my Fire Safety expert...
08-Feb-2009 By Chris Maclean
Yesterday the fire alarm company did their inspection. A couple of flourescent tubes changed and the alarms tested; fifteen minutes and the guy was...
Chris Maclean: Why trade needn't be six feet under
17-Oct-2008 By Chris Maclean
Last week our florist was bemoaning the state of his trade. With autumn here all his wedding business, pre-planned and booked for months, has been...
The keys to a good pub: Be unique and have a vision
02-Apr-2008 By James Wilmore
Being unique and having a clear vision are the keys to running a great pub, visitors were told at Publican Live yesterday. During the Proud of Pubs...
Chris Maclean: In praise of a proper pub
29-Feb-2008 By Chris Maclean
It's time to stand up for pubs. Proper pubs. Pubs that stand for something traditional, decent, honest and true. In the debates raging at the moment...
Chris Maclean: the TEN commandments
08-Oct-2007 By Chris Maclean
Whoever decided on the Temporary Event Notice (TEN) form is an idiot. A total idiot. The whole wretched process of applying for TENs is a complete...
Chris Maclean: take a tip from me - or not
05-Oct-2007 By Chris Maclean
I am sure I am not alone when I say that I feel awkward about tipping. I'm sure it is an English thing.From a very early age I knew you tipped a...
Chris Maclean: Good Food Guide triumph!
17-Sep-2007 By Chris Maclean
The other morning one of the chefs showed me a copy of the Good Food Guide 2008. We are in it. This is one of the most exciting achievements we've...
Chris Maclean: self-employed and ill
21-Feb-2007 By Chris Maclean
I have been ill.In fifteen years I've never been in bed all day and yet, yesterday, I was ill and stayed in bed. All day.Being ill is unpleasant. I...
