The Black Horse, in Monkseaton, was converted to the Ei Publican Partnerships’ model
The pub is run by Danny Cox and Phil Campo, who took over the site after working together to organise sporting events at big venues around the UK, including meet and greets with Anthony Joshua and Floyd Mayweather.
Marcus Parton, regional manager for Ei Publican Partnerships said: “While Danny and Phil are new to the industry, they make up for their lack of experience with bags of enthusiasm, drive and creativity, which has been the perfect recipe for success.”
Success
Campo said: “When we organised events we only got the door takings and often discussed taking over our own bar or function space to host our own events. When we heard the Black Horse was available, we jumped at the opportunity – it is in an affluent area with the right target demographic and we knew we could make it a success.
“We worked closely with Ei Publican Partnerships to refit the pub, by introducing new lines and revamping the bar area.”
The model supports tenants in the delivery of a predominantly wet-led offer but the Black Horse has introduced a premium food offer to target a gap in the local market.
Phil added: “Having the freedom to do something a bit different, and by utilising our marketing skills, we have been able to draw crowds to several ticketed and non-ticketed events. The key is to always remain relevant and give people a new reason to return.
“The Beacon model has been pivotal in providing us with the support, knowledge and operational knowhow we need to drive the business forward.”
Exploring opportunities
The pair are exploring opportunities to extend the lease, refit another function room, and possibly take on extra sites under the model.
Mark Brooke, the director of Beacon, said the model would take momentum from the milestone as it targeted further growth over the next few years.
He added: “The Beacon model gives publicans regular contact, support and access to the decades of knowledge our business has accrued over the years.
“Combined with passion and enthusiasm, it’s proved time and time again to be a recipe for success.”
