The Publican's 30th Birthday: Mike Bell

Mike Bell, licensee of the Portobello Gold, West London, helps mark The Publican Newspaper's 30th Birthday.

• What were you doing 30 years ago?​

I had a guitar effects pedal company in Oxfordshire.

What has been the biggest change in the pub industry in the past 30 years?​

Without doubt the removal of the pub as the centre of the universe. It used to be the centre of the community, but when the brewers lost control and freehouses went to pubcos, they lost their autonomy.

Which individual has had the biggest impact on the pub trade in the past 30 years?​

Guy Hands. The man who single-handedly founded the idea of the pubco.

What are the biggest challenges facing the industry over the next 30 years?​

Getting rid of the pubcos is the number one thing. The brewers are as strong as ever - cricket is re-vitalising real ale as lager did for football and it would be nice to see people getting back to owning their own pub.

When did you first read a copy of The Publican?​

1984 - when I entered the trade.

Do you have a message for us on our 30th birthday?​

Keep up the good work!