Axe + Saw’s Post

Time, please Government statistics show that on average 50 pubs a month in England and Wales closed their doors for the final time in the first half of 2024. Pubs have a long and storied history in the UK, stretching back over a thousand years. They are a central part of British culture and identity. Their origins can be traced to Roman taverns and Anglo-Saxon alehouses, where locals would gather to drink ale and cider. By the Middle Ages, these establishments had evolved into inns and public houses, where travellers would rest and refresh themselves. Over time, pubs became a cornerstone of community life, serving not just as places to drink but as venues for socialising, exchanging news and conducting business. As Britain industrialised, the number of pubs grew, particularly in urban areas where they became a focal point for working-class social life. Local pubs became part of the fabric of communities, often tied to specific trades, sports clubs or even political movements. The pint is as much a part of British pub culture as the pub itself. A pint has been a legally defined unit of measure since 1698. It is though much more than a unit of measure. There’s something distinctly British about ordering "a pint"—it’s not just about the volume, it’s the ritual of sharing a drink. The glass itself - sturdy yet simple - is there to be held, clinked and refilled. A pint is part of what makes a pub a pub. While many countries serve beer in smaller or varied sizes, the British pint (568 ml) is a symbol of consistency and tradition. Its continued use underscores the enduring appeal of pub culture and the importance of preserving age-old customs in a rapidly changing world. Pubs and pints remain a defining part of British identity. Even in an age of global chains, homogenised hight streets and modern bars, the traditional pub—with its wooden interiors, cosy corners, and familiar faces—remains a beloved British institution. And though pubs are closing at an alarming rate, it’s too soon to call last orders.

Time, please Government statistics show that on average 50 pubs a month in England and Wales closed their doors for the final time in the first half of 2024. Pubs have a long and storied history in the UK, stretching back over a thousand years. They are a central part of British culture and identity. Their origins can be traced to Roman taverns and Anglo-Saxon alehouses, where locals would gather to drink ale and cider. By the Middle Ages, these establishments had evolved into inns and public houses, where travellers would rest and refresh themselves. Over time, pubs became a cornerstone of community life, serving not just as places to drink but as venues for socialising, exchanging news and conducting business. As Britain industrialised, the number of pubs grew, particularly in urban areas where they became a focal point for working-class social life. Local pubs became part of the fabric of communities, often tied to specific trades, sports clubs or even political movements. The pint is as much a part of British pub culture as the pub itself. A pint has been a legally defined unit of measure since 1698. It is though much more than a unit of measure. There’s something distinctly British about ordering "a pint"—it’s not just about the volume, it’s the ritual of sharing a drink. The glass itself - sturdy yet simple - is there to be held, clinked and refilled. A pint is part of what makes a pub a pub. While many countries serve beer in smaller or varied sizes, the British pint (568 ml) is a symbol of consistency and tradition. Its continued use underscores the enduring appeal of pub culture and the importance of preserving age-old customs in a rapidly changing world. Pubs and pints remain a defining part of British identity. Even in an age of global chains, homogenised high streets and modern bars, the traditional pub—with its wooden interiors, cosy corners, and familiar faces—remains a beloved British institution. And though pubs are closing at an alarming rate, it’s too soon to call last orders.

The Devonshire pub in London's Soho is coming up to its first anniversary, and for those unaware, it has been nothing short of a sensation. It is often said that doing simple things well is incredibly hard. But the Devonshire does everything exceptionally. They claim to pull the best pint of Guinness in the UK and sell around 20,000 each week. In fact, they sell the most pints for a single outlet on the planet, including Dublin. This in a world where five pubs are closing every week in the UK. In an increasingly plant-based, alcohol-free society, The Devonshire shouldn’t work. But it really does, because just like the return of Oasis, the car-crash of Brexit / politics / pandemic / war, etc. has people yearning for a moment of easy pleasure and frankly no-strings-attached fun. And sometimes the old ways are the best. Especially when they are done by uber-fanatical minds that take the smallest detail and elevates it to the very best it can possibly be. I had lunch at The Devonshire the other day, (late to the party, but getting a table is a feat in itself) and it was nothing revolutionary, but also just brilliant. They do the elementary things superbly, and never without a good reason. Guinness, Steak, Pies, Prawn Cocktails, Stilton, Port, Sherry - the list goes on. Even restaurant royalty, Jeremy King – he of The Ivy and The Wolseley, agrees: "It has caught the imagination, and I think that’s because of the spirit that runs through it. And I think we underestimate how important the feeling is, as opposed to the components.” My point isn't really about The Devonshire though. Their philosophy works for any consumer facing brand. In the quest to chase the custom of GenZ, many companies have forgotten the consumer who pays the bills, what they actually want and how they want to feel. Sometimes a metaphorical sausage-on-a-stick (£2 behind the bar) and a pint is the way to a customer’s heart, rather than something more complex. The Devonshire formula is thoroughly old-fashioned. Except by taking forensic care about every part and building it from scratch, they've been able to create the perfect brand alchemy of epic product and genuine emotional connection. Anyone who runs a brand, and wants to do it well, irrelevant of which industry should read this article. Then go and have a pint at The Devonshire to understand it is not just what they do, it is how they make you feel. DHR Global #brandbuilding #highperformance

8 Ways to Prepare Your Pub for Summer ☀️ Summer is just around the corner, so it's time for pubs across the country to make sure they are prepped and ready to deal with the influx of business! Read our article on how you can prepare for summer 2024! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ec8dK-Hy #Summer #Pubs #Venues #HospitalityIndustry

It's quite difficult to film in pubs owned by the Stonegate Group, as they expect a £250 fee for each pub. Either that or there is some flimsy reason about Data Protection even though most places are empty when I film. Now maybe 'bonehead' is harsh, but at the very least I always think there should be enough curiosity or interest to wonder what's going on rather than completely ignore me. It's such a shame as there are some great pubs and people along the route. I've tried messaging their PR and marketing teams, and I know they have got the messages, but for whatever reason they choose not to collaborate. At the very least I would hope they can make it easier, but instead they make it harder. As a Caymen Island company that's owned by Private Equity and battling £2.2Bn in debt, they should hopefully recognise that pubs and the hospitality industry is something that is worth saving after the hardship of Covid. In any case, we keep trying and occasionally we get lucky as the team want to share their amazing pubs. Hopefully, someone will see some sense because after 9 months of doing this I am still here trying to share some amazing pubs with you all. 👩🏻🍳 The Duchess ✅ 11 of 12 🔀 Belgravia to Mayfair 📖 London Volume II 📍 Duke St, W1U 1LP 👉 I'm sharing Historic Pubs in London, Manhattan and across England covered in my books which you can buy today on Amazon. 🔎 Search 'Historic Pub Crawls' to find my best sellers at the top of the results. 🛒 There's so much more to come so check the link in the bio, to buy the books and help support me to bring you more content and amazing pubs. #historicpubcrawlslondon #historicpubcrawlsthrough #marylebonepubs #mayfairpubs #stonegate #stonegatepubs

This weeks blog of Reflections of a Reluctant Landlady describes how we took on one of the Pubco's, won the battle but lost the war. It also describes the issues with tied pubs. I hope you find it interesting. https://wix.to/u4mELMW #reflectionsofareluctantlandlady #tiedpubs #pubcode #pubcos #problemsoftiedpubs #hospitalitymanagement

My blog this week was painful to write. We took on one of the Pubcos when the Pub Code (designed to protect tenants from restrictive practices put on them by large Pubcos) was new and we were a test case. It was a stressful time and part of me wishes we had gone further, but it was a costly affair! #reflectionsofareluctantlandlady #tiedpubs #pubcode #pubcos #problemsoftiedpubs #hospitalitymanagement

How does a new pub go from launch to being one of the biggest sellers of Guinness in the UK with dinner slots selling out faster than Taylor Swift tickets? The Devonshire, a new pub and restaurant in London, is one of the hottest spots in the world at the moment. This is a great story of how owner and Irishman Oisín Rogers has carefully crafted a world class hospitality business in one of the best served cities in the world. It's one of the most insightful business podcasts I've heard in a long time and a great interview by Dan Pope too. Key insights for me: ➡️ Oisin's deep respect for his customer base 'from the binman to the chairman'. ➡️ The idea of 'giving people stories they can take away and share' from the pub, seeding a breadcrumb trail of interesting things throughout that become little bits of word of mouth. ➡️ The importance of focusing on 'timelessness not trends' and getting the big things right (great Guinness and world class ingredients). ➡️ The deep research and insight he has done into what makes a pub great, including a sense of 'managed chaos' and realising that people actually don't want space, they want lots of nooks and snugs so that they can't be seen. ➡️ The insane level of focus and detail it takes to build something brilliant. Oisin refers to the sound levels in the pub, the type of Victorian wallpaper they've chosen, the old sign writer they got to create the look of a 100 year old exterior and the knives they meticulously sourced. Loads of juicy business, marketing and advertising lessons hidden in here. https://lnkd.in/eJ-PXtMr

As we mark the conclusion of Dry January, we’d like to share an initiative we are launching to help locals through the current hospitality crisis: ‘Support an Independent Pub Day’, which will take place on Saturday 10 February. Dry January once again occurred during an already precarious situation for independent pubs. 43.6% of wet-led pubs, bars and nightclubs have disappeared over the last 20 years. This trend is even more concerning for independent businesses. With sky-rocketing operating costs, the only way these treasured establishments can survive is with high footfall and customers visiting to spend money, even more so during the quietest period of the year. This is why we have decided to help and invite all pub lovers to celebrate independent pubs and visit locals in their area on Saturday 10 February, to show love and support to these cherished community centres that help millions of Britons fight loneliness and enjoy quality social time. This special day will aim to raise awareness on the disappearance of these much-loved bastions of British culture which are part of our DNA. We hope that this patronage will not only see the cash tills ringing to support businesses after the harrowing month of Dry January but also hopefully inspire more people to visit independent pubs in their area for food, drink, entertainment and company. The term ‘Use it or lose it’ has never been more pertinent! If you can, spread the word with your friends, block Saturday 10 February in your calendars and visit local independent pubs in your droves. You know what to do… #supportindependentpubs CityStack

USE IT OR LOSE IT The Great British Pub condundrum. Why are pubs closing everywhere when everyone wants a GREAT Local pub they can call THEIR PUB? WHY, when there's evidence ALL over the UK that communities WANT to have a GREAT Local Pub they can call THEIR Local does the pub sector 'market' not respond to the ever burgeoning demand there is for great pubs? WHY does the trope 'if you wanted it you should have used it' hold space in so many people's mind? https://lnkd.in/eqAXfsAp