How Sarah and Alan Run a Successful Community Pub

Sarah and Alan Merryweather have over thirty years of experience as publicans. Today, they are the proud business owners of The Black Horse in Aylestone – an award-winning, much-loved pub at the heart of its local community. The Black Horse's awards include Great Food Club Classic Pub of the Year and Leicester Comedy Festival Best Small Venue. We caught up with Sarah and Alan to get their insights on what it takes to run a successful community pub in 2024.

Community engagement
Alan and Sarah say: "The number one factor behind a successful pub is community — absolutely no doubt about it. It's so important to talk to the people and, more importantly, listen to them."

Their advice is simple: "Immerse yourself in the community and take the time to understand your customers. Listen, learn, and invest your time. Building a thriving pub is like nurturing a relationship—you get out what you put in.

Pay and treat your staff well

"We've always paid over and above the going rate. We look after our staff, talk to them, and ensure they feel valued. Four times a year, we do something special for them. Having a loyal, trusted team who love what they do is vital."

Understand the Reality of Pub Management
Alan and Sarah say: "Running a pub isn't just about opening the doors and expecting customers to pour in. It's a lot of hard work. The job involves managing expectations, dealing with rudeness, and handling economic pressures like rising energy bills. You need to be realistic, and it helps if you're transparent and communicate clearly with staff and customers. This transparency keeps everyone informed and builds confidence."

Innovation and Creativity
"We've built a reputation for being more than just a local pub. From hosting comedy nights to book clubs, cheese nights, cycling clubs and Drag Bingo, we've always looked for ways to keep our offerings fresh and appealing."

Get Support
Sarah and Alan speak highly of Everards, the brewery they work with. "Everards are very supportive. I think very highly of them. They've given us the freedom to do various things and have always been there to support us.

"Before you sign up, they give you the process, the numbers, and the terms. You know exactly what you're getting into.

"Over the years we've been able to bounce ideas off Everards, and they've been open to listening and supporting our initiatives. They provide the backing we need to implement various initiatives and maintain a thriving business."