Inside the Landlord's Notebook: An Interview with a Modern Pub Owner

Clara Reeves took over The Rose & Anchor five years ago and transformed it into a bustling community hub. We sat down to talk about the highs and lows of running a modern pub, the importance of local suppliers, and how to keep a venue relevant without losing its soul.

On taking over the pub

Pubs Club: What inspired you to become a landlord?

Clara: I grew up in the village and always loved the pub as a gathering place. When The Rose & Anchor's owners wanted to retire, a group of us formed a plan to buy and revamp it. I wanted to keep it rooted in community while updating it for modern life.

Balancing tradition and innovation

Pubs Club: How do you balance old charm with fresh ideas?

Clara: We kept the original oak bar and fireplaces, which people love. But we introduced a local brewery tap rotation, updated the kitchen for seasonal menus, and added comfortable seating. It's about enhancing, not replacing, what makes a pub special.

Community engagement

Pubs Club: What community initiatives have been most successful?

Clara: Our weekly community lunch for seniors, the kids' reading hour on Sundays, and charity quiz nights have all been great. These events build loyalty and make the pub feel like more than a business.

Dealing with challenges

Pubs Club: What has been the hardest part?

Clara: Staffing and rising costs have been challenging. Retaining reliable staff means offering good training and a positive work culture. Also, supply chain issues force us to be flexible with menus and drink lists.

Menu and suppliers

Pubs Club: How important are local suppliers?

Clara: Crucial. Local suppliers give us freshness and a story to tell. People love knowing where their food and drink come from. We have a relationship with two local breweries and a nearby farm for seasonal produce.

"The pub is a mirror of the neighbourhood — listen to the people and your business will grow with them."

Advice for aspiring owners

Pubs Club: What advice would you give someone opening a pub today?

Clara: Know your community, plan your numbers meticulously, and don’t be afraid to change. But keep your heart in it — authenticity matters. Hospitality is labour-intensive, and success often comes from consistency and relationships.

Looking ahead

Pubs Club: What’s next for The Rose & Anchor?

Clara: We’re developing a small back garden kitchen for summer pop-up dinners and expanding our events to include local craft markets. We want to be an economic and social anchor for the village.

Closing remarks

Clara’s story highlights the resilience of small pubs when they are run with community at heart. Her focus on local suppliers, inclusive events and staff care demonstrates that modern pub ownership requires both business acumen and a commitment to people.

If you own a pub or dream of opening one, Clara encourages you to talk to fellow landlords, learn from mistakes and celebrate small wins. "Hospitality is about people," she says. "Get that right and the rest follows."