Queen Elizabeth Pub – Business Plan Submitted
I have today finally submitted a full business plan to Kate Powell, the business development manager handling the pub for Admiral Taverns.
Having been through the process of preparing the plan I have discovered the commercial reality of running a village pub, and it certainly isn’t an easy way to make money!Â
The only real option I can see to make the Queen Elizabeth viable, at the rent levels Admiral Tavern are asking for, is to focus on a good quality food offering to attract reasonable numbers of customers from outside the local area.
The plan I have put forward is based around this concept, but does retain a locals bar with a cheaper “bar snack” menu which I think is important for everyone in the village.
I would like to thank Sue Essex from DESS Ltd (Kersoe) and John Jenkinson from the Evesham Hotel for their assistance with putting the plan together. It was a huge help to have a couple of industry experts donating their time and experience to help me with the process.
As soon as I hear anything from Admiral Taverns I will post the details on this website.
James Hickman
03/4/08, 5:14 PM |
Hi James,
Thank you for your interest in the Queen Elizabeth. If you are successful to be short-listed for an interview we will contact you in the next 4 weeks.
Many thanks,
Kate Powell
Business Development Manager
Tel: 07824 491519
03/12/08, 9:27 AM |
Hi Kate,
a couple of things,
Firstly,
I noticed that Admiral Taverns is reducing its holdings of pubs and being a “little more critical†about which pubs provided a return:
http://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/news_detail.aspx?articleid=57389&categoryid=9003
If during this review process you should re-consider the decision to sell the Queen Elizabeth, I would be happy to talk to you about purchasing the Freehold from Admiral Taverns.
Secondly,
further to my recent submission of a business plan to take on the lease, I have now been approached by a chef who would like to take on the Queen Elizabeth. He is exceptionally talented and has been awarded a “Culinary Order of Merit” by the World Master Chef’s Society. He has been working as a Chef since 1975 and has been the Head Chef for successful restaurants in Berlin, Paris, Spain and the UK. For the past six years he has been the sole proprietor and Head Chef of a local 48 cover restaurant, which has been widely featured by the regional press and has excellent online reviews from customers.
He also holds a BIIAB Level 2 National Certificate for Licensees.
I feel that this is the final missing piece in my business plan.
My proposal now offers financial control and marketing by an experienced and successful entrepreneur, supported by an Award Winning local Hotelier and an experienced licensed trade stocktaker. Food prepared by a World Master Chef, and overwhelming support from the local community.
If you feel anything is missing from the proposal, just let me know !
Even our local MP is now concerned about the lack of progress in re-opening the Queen Elizabeth
http://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/ejnewslatest/display.var.2096970.0.mp_supports_village_in_pub_fight.php
It has been well over a year now since the village lost its pub, can we please get things moving ?
Kind Regards,
James Hickman
03/13/08, 10:45 AM |
I heard from Kate Powell today.
I am meeting with Admiral Taverns on the 28th of March to discuss the proposal.
Hopefully we can get the Queen Elizabeth re-opened soon !
03/13/08, 9:11 PM |
Excellent!! Very well done. If it’s still under £3 a pint even better. We look forward in hope. Brian
03/15/08, 7:55 PM |
Excellent news! Best of luck with the interview. We all have out fingers crossed.
03/29/08, 9:59 PM |
Hi James, How did you get on at your meeting?
03/30/08, 10:54 AM |
Details Here:
http://www.elmleycastle.com/index.php/2008/03/30/queen-elizabeth-latest/