Our very own landlord – and so much more!

We are delighted to announce a new member to the CellarCraft team. We think Neale Chandler is going to prove to be a valuable resource – if anyone knows what goes on at the coal face of the hospitality industry it’s Neale.

So, we would like to have a canter through Neale’s very interesting career as a way of introduction.

Neale started out in the trade way back in in the early nineties initially running pubs for Bass, before a corporate career with the same company beckoned. He returned to his native South Africa in 2000 where for a decade he owned a number of restaurants and night clubs. Arriving back in the UK in 2011 he took a tenancy with Joule’s Brewery and after 18 months moved to the corporate side of Joule’s where he became the Ops Manager and then later Retail Director looking after the retail side of the Joule’s business. The role included site selection, new pub launches, recruitment and the securing the profitability and longevity of the pub estate.

However, Neale felt that he would be happiest working for himself and now has two successful projects running concurrently. Firstly, he has taken over the lease of The Kings Arms in Eccleshall, near Stoke on Trent. A popular pub, but one which was in need of much TLC. Neale closed it and gave the place a total refurbishment. It opened again in April and serves superb food and an array of fine quality, local beer. Neale told us he was thoroughly enjoying being at the helm again and his previous experience is helping to drive up quality for his customers.

The other project that Neale has set up is one we are sure our readers will be very interested in! He has set up a consultancy service called Pubwiser (https://www.pubwiser.co.uk). The thrust of it is to offer key services to new landlords. Neale told us; ‘Many people dream of running a pub. For example; those taking redundancy or early retirement, who then wish to enter the pub trade. However, quite often they are not aware of the volume of work involved and what it takes to grow a business’.

Neale offers his considerable expertise to help new landlords fast-track their progress and profitability as efficiently as possible. He has a different role to that of an area manager. He addresses the full range of issues, advising on the ‘nuts and bolts’ of pub life. Issues such as how to find the right suppliers, what to do when Maria doesn’t show up for her Friday night shift, how to deal with a broken down glasswasher on your busiest night and how to recruit the very best people.

We think it will become a valuable if not critical resource for new landlords everywhere. Neale’s insider knowledge helps landlords plan their workloads effectively and make the best of their businesses without driving themselves into the ground.

If you are a new landlord and have a query for Neale or you would like further information about his services, you can contact him direct at Neale@pubwiser.co.uk . Alternatively contact guru@cellarcraftuk.com and we will pass on your enquiry to Neale.