How I survived ‘death of the high street’ with 2 key strategies – my pub is STILL standing & others drop like flies
A PUB landlady has revealed her strategy to beat the ‘death of the high street’ and ensure her boozer is still going strong.
Lisa Burton, 56, runs The Red Lion in Badlesmere, near Faversham, Kent, says business has never been better despite problems facing high streets around the country as they struggle with the cost of living crisis.
She puts her success down to two things – “hard work, a fun atmosphere” – not to mention being the only pub in Kent to offer a fully gluten-free menu.
Lisa, who has lived in the county for 20 years, told KentOnline: “When we first came here the pub was only taking in just over £1,500 a week.
“Now our business takes around £10,000 a week.
“It has taken a lot of hard work but I absolutely love my job, even through these tough times”.
While business at The Red Lion maybe flourishing, other pubs in the county have confirmed they will be call time, for the last time, in the opening months of this year.
We have obviously had our quiet times over the years but we have always remained open and I think our customers appreciate that
Landlady Lisa Burton
Pubs announcing a permanent closing time include: The Earl St Vincent in Ramsgate, The Aviator in Queenborough, The George Inn at Newnham, near Faversham, and The Hare and Hounds in Northbourne, Deal.
But Lisa says it is not all doom and gloom.
She said: “We have obviously had our quiet times over the years but we have always remained open and I think our customers appreciate that.
“I put a lot of our success down to our fully gluten-free menu. We are the only pub in Kent like this.
She added it was this strategy and maintaining a “good bar presence” that made the pub stand out.
While Lisa admitted the pub had been affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis, she said she had been able to manage it well.
She gets advice from her business coach, who she meets every week, and says helps keep her motivated and on track.
‘OLD SCHOOL PUB’
Lisa said that while the Lion isn’t a late-night pub it is “old school” with a “constant steady trade”.
She added: “I am so grateful to have the best group of staff with me and they help make this pub as successful as it is.”
Lisa said that her busy lifestyle means she doesn’t stop but still absolutely loves it.
She added: “I want people to see that not all our pubs are struggling and I urge people to go out and support their local as best they can.”
The news comes among a harsh time for pubs and businesses as they feel the squeeze from tough trading conditions.
TIMES UP
Last month, The Sun revealed that more than 7,000 pubs are expected to go bust in the next year.
Rising costs and fewer punters through the door has meant that four out of five pubs have seen their profits take a nosedive.
This is putting pressure on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to slash booze duty on alcohol in next month’s budget.
Wetherspoons has already shut more than 40 pubs and punters could be set to lose as many as 19 more.
In September last year the chain – which has 827 pubs across the UK – announced that it was putting dozens of pubs up for sale.
In 2023 The Sun revealed that more than 500 British pubs closed their doors for the final time.
Crippling taxes and inflation meant the total number of closures since 2017 hit 2,043.
Last year alone, 6,000 people were put out of work as a result of boozers having to call time.
Pubs are not the only places that struggling to get by in the current climate.
HIGH STREET SITUATION
Many high street retailers are shutting down some branches for good and sadly some are disappearing from our high streets forever.
The Body Shop announced recently it was closing seven branches with immediate effect.
This comes as the the iconic beauty retailer fell into administration and revealed it would be closing almost half of its 198 stores.
Also, troubled fashion brand Superdry has said it is looking at various “cost-saving options” after reports it is considering a major restructuring which could include store closures and job cuts.
Boots revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
Even charity shops such as Oxfam are struggling as it confirmed it would close eight of its UK stores last year.
However, some shops are opening up in new locations.
Primark said it will open five new branches, and one is coming in just weeks.
The Frasers Group has announced it will be taking over the former John Lewis site at Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough to open another new concept store.
B&M is opening six new locations at the start of 2024, including in former Wilko stores it has taken over.