In our local paper this week there is news that the owners of a former pub on the coastal road, long shut and most recently trading as a pine shop, are seeking planning permission to reopen as a pub. The villagers must be delighted. Their community no longer has a pub, shops or post office. For several years they have had to live with the realisation that their community has no heartbeat.
This pub has been on the market for some time. It wasn't expensive, particularly because the owner has sectioned off the car park area and intends to hold onto it himself. Therefore the main issue is parking. I am sure they will overcome it. But for a long time no one would touch it.
I have often thought about taking on such a pub as this. It would be difficult for sure, but the idea of owning the freehold, developing the business and adding value to it in a way that could be realised is very attractive.
So how could such a pub be successful? Clearly the previous owner did not make a success of it. Why would I be different?
This pub is in the middle of nowhere. If people are to go there it needs to have some real distinction from other pubs. Visitors are probably going to have to park a distance from the pub and walk back. It would have to be good.
I think I would take out the electricity.
I think I'd have gaslights throughout.
I think I'd have quarry tiles and a cellar backing onto the bar where beer would be poured straight from the cask.
I'd have no music, fruit machines or gadgetry. No Sky television or background noise.
I'd have simple food - a hunk a bread, really good cheddar and home-made pickle.
The beer would be local and in perfect nick.
The pub has been bought by a management company who will rent it, probably at a ridiculous rent, to some deluded person who thinks they can be all things to all people. And I fear they will probably fail.
I am going to be fifty very soon and I am too set in my ways to undertake such a challenge. Besides, the pub has been sold. But every now and then I mourn the passing of an opportunity I didn't seize. Ah well, who knows what might have been...