Next up in our Meet The Publican series we have Glyn Roberts from The Rake, Borough Market, London. I’ve not yet had the pleasure of going to the rake but I have heard many a good thing said about it (not just by Glyn ;op )
What sort of community/clientel does your pub serve?
All sorts from city boys to market traders.
Glyn Roberts Of the Rake, London
What made you want to become a publican?
Is it bad to say money? Seriously, I enjoy it, there’s not much more to say than that, I believe everybody should enjoy their work.
How long have you been a publican?
On and off for the last 18 years or so. I’ve been managing The Rake for the last 18 months now.
What facilities does your pub have?
Two fridges full of beer and a microwave! There’s also the outside decking area.
What makes your pub different?
We have a range of about 130 different beers in the fridge at any one time with about 10 ciders too. There’s also more stashed downstairs to keep the range larger than the fridges. All in all about 160-170 beers. We only sell beer that is brewed in its country of origin, nothing brewed under license.
Do you do accommodation?
Not unless you count me sleeping on the bar floor the night before the last Welsh Beer Festival!
What challenges have you faced as a publican?
Keeping the range fresh, keeping an already successful business growing, so far it’s working.
The Rake
Where do you think the future of local pubs lies?
In differentiation, making and keeping pubs unique, publicans need to realise that people want more for their money, gone are the days where a publican could just open the doors to make money(although some can still get away with it!).
Any exciting plans for the future?
I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you.
Would you recommend the job to someone else? if so what words of wisdom would you give them?
I would of course recommend the job to the right person, they have to have a strong personality and be willing to work long hours. Make sure you have an understanding partner too, God knows I do!
Does your pub have a website? facebook? twitter?
Yes, The Rake has a Facebook page that people can join, you can also follow @Rakebar on Twitter. No website though but working on it!
What is your perfect pub?
The Rake with a food offer and a brewery of our own, unfortunately we don’t have space for a brewery or a kitchen…Oh and there has to be Goose Island IPA on draught permanently!
Anything else you want to tell us?
Follow my blog www.rabidbarfly.blogspot.com. I’m Batman.
