Great British Pub Award winners says tenants should not be afraid of working with pubcos

Joel Czopor and Susie Clarke of the Grafton, Kentish Town, London, were crowned Pub of the Year at last night’s ceremony and also picked up the partnership award for their recent work with Enterprise Inns.

“A lot of pubs are doing well and are pushing out to do different things”, said Czopor. “We are honoured and lucky to be at the forefront of that.”

Clarke suggested that it is “such a nice thing for our customers to know that their local is the best pub in the country”.

The couple admit that their experiences in their two previous Enterprise sites were not always as positive as with the Grafton. However, they say it has been a case of third time lucky with the Grafton and put the success down to their strong relationship with their regional manager.

Relationship​

Czopor encouraged others not to be afraid of working with pubcos, but warned that: “If you sign a lease with a pubco you have to understand the terms of the lease and actually you get out as much as you put in.”

The couple are happy that a strong management team is in place at the Grafton, and are currently looking for another Enterprise leased site to take on.

“Our original business plan is three pubs in five years. We’re on course to do that if we can find another site and we can do what we did at the Grafton”, said Czopor.

Czopor and Clarke both believe that a good pub must appeal to everybody.

 “It needs to be something that’s inclusive, open and friendly and a place for everyone”, said Clarke.