Running a pub in England is becoming more and more of a challenge.
With continuing changes in rules and regulations and the tax man trying to bleed as much money as possible, the proposition can be far from attractive.
Ever thought it was possible to turn back the clock to the days when the village local was at the centre of the community, publicans held respect and government inspectors had not been invented? It will never be like 'The Darling Buds of May' but there is a different and better way.
Ever thought of moving to the South West of France? My wife Wendy and I decided to make the break nearly three years ago. Taking the plunge
Wendy was a business development manager in the licensed trade and I ran a pub. However, as more and more legislation and regulations loomed and our quality of life declined, we decided to take the plunge.
The dream was to develop our own restaurant/bar in France, have enough money, and seriously improve our way of life.
Everything started brilliantly, we purchased a derelict property within a few weeks. Unfortunately, things did slow down as we got bogged down in French administration. But after 12 months of frustration and building work we had achieved our goal - an intimate restaurant with comfortable living accommodation and enough space to do bed and breakfast if we chose.
Ok, so there are drawbacks - speaking a new language for one. But the advantages far outweigh the small inconveniences. Besides, the strong British, Dutch, Belgian and German communities all speak some sort of English - as, in reality, do most French people.
The advantages are enormous. Apart from living in a beautiful uncrowded part of rural France with views to the snow-capped mountains or a short journey to the coast, the people are friendly and courteous, while violence and vandalism are virtually non-existent.
The climate is kinder than Britain too, with long warm summers and no dark drizzly winter days.
Property prices
However, the main benefits lie in the price of properties. There are several opportunities to buy bars or restaurants for the price of an average house in the UK.
Traditionally, bars and restaurants have been family-run, passed on through generations and most have had little or no capital investment for decades - the younger generation are now moving on, leaving several establishments closed or being run by elderly couples.
Competition, as such, does not really exist between bars, and there are no major breweries dictating prices - it is a free market. Profit margins are considerably higher than in the UK and you have total flexibility on opening hours.
Most properties have very spacious accommodation, which lends itself to running a bed and breakfast operation, and any income is currently exempt from tax.
What's not to like?
• For anyone interested in finding out more email Paul at: paul@cafedemarche.fr