Who is it suited to?
Landlords come from all walks of life. “Licensed retailing can give the right people – young and old, male or female – hugely fulfilling and varied careers; and if they prove themselves, they can be offered challenging responsibilities at an early stage,” says John McNamara of the BII.
The two essential qualities you need in order to run a pub successfully are business awareness and enthusiasm for the pub trade.
You should also get experience working in a local pub if you haven’t already had some. Not only does this give you a practical insight, it could also help you work out the type of pub that would suit you.
More important than your previous occupation are the skills you have and your personality.
“You have to be very social,” says Coltart. “It’s bloody hard work, the hours can be extremely long, but it’s great fun. There’s huge camaraderie with the customers and the staff.”