Getting it right: Black Horse, Hertford

When Tony Dawes took over as licensee of the Black Horse pub in Hertford three years ago he also inherited his own rugby team (pictured below). Dawes is an avid rugby fan, which is a good thing given that the walls of the establishment are plastered with numerous pictures of the Black Horse rugby team from throughout its 30-year history.

He supports the team as much as he can and has managed to get some equipment for them from the likes of Guinness and Greene King, which provided a set of shirts. But the relationship cuts both ways. A number of the team visit the pub for a pint following a game or a

training session, and when major rugby matches take place the Black Horse attracts a mix of local rugby fans alongside team members.

During the World Cup last year Dawes says that the pub was absolutely packed. Table service isn't practical due to the size of the premises, although Dawes says that there is never any problem getting to and from the bar. While the pub offers a strong menu of food, during the games he provides basic fodder for the hungry throng. "We always rustle up some bacon sandwiches as they're quick and easy to do at half time and they help to soak up a pint or two," says Dawes.

In addition to informal competitions such as "time of the first try", he says that Greene King is very good at providing promotional

support in terms of free giveaways such as hats, around major events.

However, according to Dawes the key to hosting a successful rugby event is not down to the number of freebies that you can throw at people but is solely reliant on getting the atmosphere right. "We get a real mix of people in for the games, which helps greatly," he explains.

J Tony's top tip: "Make sure that everyone can see what's going on by providing good views of your screens throughout the pub. We did have a problem before, but we have rearranged things and sorted it out."