A Pub to be Proud of: Party on!
From public school to public house may not be the typical route into the licensed trade - but it's been a successful one for two young North London licensees. Emily Wright reports.
Most people are taken aback when they meet the licensees at the Northgate for the first time. As 23-year-old Sam Haacke slopes into the pub sporting a pair of almost indecently baggy trousers and a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "Astroboy", it's not hard to see why.
And 28-year-old Adam Pearson is hardly your average publican either. With his hair streaked red and his body adorned with jewellery, he looks more like he has just stepped out of a fashion mag than from behind a bar.
But there is more to these guys than boyish charm - they are running an incredibly successful pub and believe that embracing their youth has been a key factor. "People are always surprised when they realise we own the place, because we look so young," says Sam, "but it relaxes them and no one has ever reacted negatively because of our age."
The duo took over the Northgate, which nestles on the corner of two leafy Islington streets in North London, on a Punch lease in March 2005. Since then profits have soared as the pair have focused on good food, great beer and an extensive wine list.
Living the dream
Ex-accountant Adam had wanted to run his own pub since he was studying business at university. "The pub trade has had a bad press but that's down to a few bad apples and it's never put me off," he says. "I don't agree with using offers to get people as drunk as possible as quickly as possible. Generally, pubs are places to be proud of, people go to them to relax and have fun."
When he came into some money Adam left his job in accountancy to make a go of it as a licensee. He was building up his management experience at a chain of pubs in London when he met Sam.
A middle-class upbringing in Hampshire and a public school education didn't steer Sam towards a job in the City like many of his friends. "I couldn't do an office job. Working in pubs gives me the chance to meet people from all walks of life. I don't feel tied down in this industry," he explains. "When Adam asked me to join his venture I jumped at the chance."
Sam and Adam's pride in the Northgate has been unwavering from the moment the lease papers were signed. They dismiss concerns that they are not ready for the responsibility. "It seemed silly to wait 10 years, spending a decade doing jobs we hated. We are dedicated to this right now," says Sam.
And their dedication starts with the key to any great gastropub - top quality food. They won't settle for anything less. Fresh ingredients are delivered daily and the menu is never the same from one day to the next. Aussie chef Adam Lugg, another young gun at just 25 years old, was picked by Sam and Adam because of his extensive training, creative flair and Asian-inspired dishes.
"The gastropub is a British institution and something we should be proud of as a nation," says Adam. "But it's got to be done right and that means evolving, updating and experimenting." In the name of experimentation, the chefs are currently working on a new "Fraisan" menu - French food with an Asian twist.
Putting on the smiles
Even more important than the quality of the food is making sure customers walk out of the doors with smiles on their faces. Seeing them come back is even better. "It's great here. We have very high levels of repeat trade," smiles Sam.
On keeping their clientele happy, the pair play their youth card. "We're not stuck in our ways," explains Adam. "We're young and ambitious and want to move with the times. The customers like that. It feels fresh."
Sam adds that the pub's staff are a major factor when it comes down to customer satisfaction. "Without good staff you're nowhere. Good staff, happy customers, happy owners," he quips.
So, these boys may be riding high when it comes to attracting the young professionals, but what about the older set?
Adam is quick to defend the pub's corner. "We are a pub for everybody. We have people from 18 to 80 coming in here. Older people are passionate about their food and wine and so are we - that's what they love about this place. We don't just appeal to people our own age."
When it comes to the ultimate Islington pub experience, these guys reckon the Northgate is the only game in town. "There's no competition," laughs Adam. "Our customers have chosen our bitters and wines and keep coming back. If they stop, we'll find out why and change."
As our interview draws to a close, the pair are itching to set the pub up ready for the Friday night rush - soon the stereo is on full blast and work begins. As staff lay tables, polish glasses and chop vegetables in time to the music their peals of laughter reverberate around the empty bar and restaurant - there is a definite party vibe in the air.
Adam looks on, smiling. "You know," he says. "I was filling my car up with petrol, years ago, when I was about 21. In a pub over the road there were these three lads setting up. They were having such fun and a laugh - enjoying themselves but working at the same time. That really stuck in my head."
- Pub: The Northgate
- Location: Northchurch Road, Islington, North London
- Licensees: Sam Haacke and Adam Pearson
"Young licensees Sam and Adam took over the Northgate in March last year and have been working full steam ahead ever since. At just 23 and 28 years old respectively the ambitious pair pride themselves on moving with the times and make sure that their menu, beer selection and wine list are constantly evolving and improving."
Pictured top: Licensees Sam Haacke and Adam Pearson with chef Adam Lugg (seated front).
