Run a pub

What Is the Best Way to Start a Pub Business in the East Midlands?

So, you've been sitting in your local, nursing a pint, and thinking: "I could run this place." Sound familiar? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of people across the UK picture themselves behind the bar, building something they're genuinely proud of, somewhere that matters to the local community.

The good news? That instinct is more valuable than you might think. Running your own pub is less about formal qualifications and more about people skills, passion, and a willingness to graft. We've been helping business owners do exactly that for over 170 years, and we've learned a thing or two along the way.

Here's what you actually need to know before you take the leap.

Do You Need Experience to Run a Pub?

Honestly, not as much as you'd expect. What matters far more is your attitude. Are you someone who genuinely enjoys people? Can you hold a room, solve a problem calmly, and keep smiling on a busy Saturday night?

Running your own pub is one of those rare careers where personality carries real weight. Of course, some knowledge of food and drink, stock management, and basic bookkeeping will help. But those are skills you can learn. The warmth and energy you bring to your pub experience every single day? That's harder to teach.

The hospitality sector contributes over £93 billion to the UK economy annually, and community-led pubs are among the most resilient businesses in that mix. People want a local they can trust. They want familiar faces and a pub owner who actually cares.

Choosing the Right Business Model

Before you sign anything, you need to understand the three main routes into pub business ownership: tenancy, lease, or freehold.

Pub Tenancies

Pub tenancies are the most accessible starting point for most new business owners. With a tenancy, you operate the pub under an agreement with a brewery or pub company. You run the day-to-day business, manage staff, and serve customers, while the brewery typically owns the property and supports you with training and guidance.

This is the model we offer at Everards, and it's one we're genuinely proud of. Our agreements are built around partnership, not pressure. A tenancy agreement with us gives you the flexibility to build your own business while benefiting from our support network, our beers, and our 170 years of experience.

Lease and Freehold Options

A lease gives you more control and a longer-term commitment, usually between five and twenty-five years. You'll take on more responsibility for building repair and maintenance, but you'll also have greater freedom over your offer and suppliers.

Freehold means you own the property outright. It's the most independent option, but also the most capital-intensive. For most people starting out, a tenancy is the smarter, more cost-effective first step.

Understanding the Costs Involved

Let's be straight with you. There are real costs involved in starting a pub, and you should go in with clear eyes.

Typical startup costs for a pub tenancy in the East Midlands can range from £10,000 to £30,000, depending on the property, the ingoing deposit, and any initial stock requirements. A leased pub will generally require more upfront capital, often £20,000 to £80,000 or beyond.

You'll also need to factor in:

  • A Personal Licence (required under the Licensing Act 2003 to sell alcohol in England and Wales)

  • Public liability insurance

  • Staff wages, including National Living Wage obligations

  • Marketing, signage, and initial stock

The British Beer and Pub Association estimates that around 38,000 pubs currently operate across the UK. The ones that thrive tend to be those with solid financial planning from day one.

Getting Your Personal Licence

To legally sell alcohol, you'll need a Personal Licence. This involves passing the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) qualification, then applying to your local council.

It's not as daunting as it sounds. The APLH is a one-day course followed by an exam, and it's available through providers across Leicestershire and the wider East Midlands. Once you hold the licence, you're legally designated as the Designated Premises Supervisor, which means you're responsible for the sale of alcohol at your site.

We'd always recommend getting this sorted early. It's a legal requirement, not a box-ticking exercise, and it gives you a solid foundation of knowledge about your responsibilities as a pub manager.

Writing a Business Plan That Actually Works

A business plan isn't just something you write to impress a bank. It's your roadmap. It forces you to think clearly about who your customers are, what makes your pub different, and how you'll make money across every hour, including quieter midweek periods.

A strong plan should cover:

  1. Your concept and target audience

  2. Location analysis and footfall research

  3. Revenue streams, food, drink, events, and accommodation, if applicable

  4. Staffing structure and front of house management

  5. Marketing approach, including social media and local events

  6. Financial projections for years one through three

Be realistic. Overestimating revenue in year one is one of the most common mistakes new business owners make. Build in a buffer and plan for the unexpected.

Picking the Right Location in the East Midlands

Location matters enormously. A thriving pub in the right spot can build a loyal following within months. The same concept in the wrong location will struggle regardless of how good your beer is.

Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Derbyshire each offer a brilliant mix of market towns, commuter villages, and urban communities. Areas like Loughborough, Melton Mowbray, Market Harborough, and the suburbs of Nottingham and Derby all have strong demand for quality community locals.

Think about parking, footfall, competition, and the character of the area. A village pub in rural Leicestershire will need a very different offer to a city-centre bar in Leicester's Cultural Quarter.

We have a portfolio of pubs across the East Midlands, and we can help you match your skills and ambitions to the right opportunity.

The Trends Shaping Pubs in 2026

The pub landscape is changing, and the business owners who succeed are the ones who pay attention.

The sober-curious movement is real. Drinkaware reports that younger adults are increasingly choosing low and no-alcohol options, and pubs that offer a strong non-alcoholic range are winning new customers who previously felt excluded. Stocking quality alcohol-free alternatives is no longer optional; it's smart business.

Community-led pubs are also on the rise. Pubs that host quiz nights, support local charities, run local events, and genuinely work in partnership with their neighbourhoods are the ones building lasting loyalty. People want more than a drink. They want a place that feels like theirs.

Rising energy and food costs remain a challenge across the sector. Being savvy about your supplier relationships and menu engineering will make a real difference to your margins.

How Everards Supports New Business Owners

We don't just hand you the keys and wish you luck. When you run a pub with Everards, you get genuine, ongoing support from people who understand this industry inside out.

Every business owner in our estate has access to a dedicated Business Relationship Manager. They're there to help you with everything from your initial business plan to your ongoing trading performance. They'll visit regularly, offer honest feedback, and connect you with the right resources when you need them.

We also offer training programmes for people new to hospitality, so even if you've never worked front of house before, we'll help you build the skills and confidence you need.

Our beers are at the heart of everything we do, from Tiger, our flagship best bitter, to a rotating range of seasonal and craft ales. When you partner with us, you're not just getting a pub. You're joining a community of like-minded business owners who genuinely care about their work.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Starting a pub business in the East Midlands is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It's hard work, no question. But when you build something your community loves, when your regulars become friends, and your pub becomes part of the fabric of the area, it's worth every early morning and every late night.

We'd love to have a conversation with you about what's possible. Whether you're exploring hospitality careers in Leicester or looking to run a pub in Leicestershire for the first time, we're here to help you find the right fit.

Reach out to the team at Everards of Leicestershire, Cooper Way, Everards Meadows, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 2AN. Give us a call on 0116 201 4100, or explore our available pubs and find out more about the Everards pub partnership at everards.co.uk. We'd love to raise a glass with you.