Popping Out for a Pint: The Dying Art of Just Being in a Busy World

Posted by Sidney Phillips on 25th January 2023 -

A few months ago we wrote a blog about the ‘cost of living crises’ through the lens of the licensed trade. We penned, ‘the licensed trade time and time again shows itself as a robust and confident industry’ and although we were discussing the increasing cost of utility bills, we believe the steadfast nature of the hospitality industry is a theme that will course through the veins of the trade for years to come.

When out visiting a client of Sidney Phillips this week, we found ourselves discussing the art of ‘just being’ amidst the backdrop of the busy world- and the ‘infinitely connected’ nature of the technological age- that we live in. This Herefordian client has owned his inn for 40 years and in this time had become a keen angler, using the 8 miles of fishing rights leased from the local estate to explore his hobby and market this aspect of his business to other fishermen. He connected the popular pastime of fishing, enjoyed by many customers making the pilgrimage from across the country to the renowned destination on the River Wye, to the locals popping in to enjoy a ‘quiet pint’ at the end of a long day at the Red Lion, Bredwardine.

There is a clear connection to be made between the escapism experienced on the bank of a river and at a quiet table in the corner of a local inn. During the pandemic the fishing industry predictably benefitted from people getting creative with the lack they were experiencing; the lack of socialising in pubs, lack of camaraderie between colleagues, lack of attendance at sporting events to name a few. This meant that outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling, camping, and fishing surged in popularity, and the data reported by the Office of National Statistics reflects this. In July 2020, 46% of people said they were spending more time outside during the pandemic than before and society’s interest in nature can be seen as a positive effect of the pandemic. Research from gov.uk illustrates the same trends. In May 2021, they reported that the 2020/2021 season benefitted from an increase of 16% individual freshwater rod licenses compared to 2019/2020.

Is this appreciation for the ‘simple and slow’ in life positively impacting the licensed trade? We know the negative headlines have been popular in mainstream media and are catching the attention of all of us in the industry. But is it the truth? Is the hospitality and licensed trade a failing, dying industry? We know that the full breadth of data does not point to a slow and painful death. In fact, the Ordinance survey and the BBC released data to show that there are 1.6% more high street pubs and bars since the first Covid lockdown. Perhaps, although the landscape may change alongside the appetites of the public, the ‘inherent features of the trade provide a draw for the consumer that cannot be satisfied elsewhere’.

As we stood outside the 17th century landmark inn currently for sale with Sidney Phillips, we realised that our client had spent 40 years making a good living from customers who were happy to sit and ‘just be’, either with a pint or rod in hand. As long as the connection and escapism covertly for sale at the bar is attracting loyal patrons, the profitable nature of the licensed trade will not stop attracting operators.

To view the iconic fishermen’s hotel and inn for sale in Herefordshire, click here.

For further information about this hotel for sale, other businesses for sale or how to buy a business, please get in touch with Sidney Phillips on 01981 250333. Alternatively, click here to view our recently added properties. 

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