It's time to salute the small independents

Praise to all the country pubs, for they are a very important part of our industry. They are the hub of many small communities and play a vital part in keeping up the image of the British pub.

When travelling around, I always hear people recommending a village pub, or hear people from overseas praising British pubs.

As most village pubs are also the abode of the licensee you are welcomed into their home and normally made to feel welcome. The beer is invariably looked after with great pride and the food is fresh and flavoursome.

Indeed, the great British pub is a huge tourist attraction, featuring high on many foreign visitors' lists, along with the good old fish and chip shop.

When Disney built Epcot in Florida it even decided to feature both a British pub and fish and chip shop as being iconic symbols of Britain.

Too often, the focus is on larger chains. These also have a vital role to play, but praise must be given to the independent operators who get on and run their own country pubs, welcoming all with enthusiasm and open arms.

A number of these smaller pubs are the heart of village life, being the main focal and meeting point.

They raise thousands of pounds every year for various causes, not because someone from head office tells them to do it, but because they want to.

I am often amazed at the hours some licensees put into their working week. More often than not they are the cleaner, the chef, the stock controller, accountant, agony aunt, the tourist information centre, the diplomat and much more, as well as being the host.

I stand up and salute all who run small, independent pubs in this country. Without you playing your part and contributing to our fine industry it certainly would not be as highly regarded as it is.

Batten down the hatches and persevere, for I'm sure the best times are to come once people start spending again.

Michael Kheng is director of the Kurnia Group​