Running a pub is not easy in today’s climate. According to figures from the British Beer & Pub Association, nearly 300 pubs closed across England and Wales in 2024. But Sean Reddington, Founder of The Reddington Pub Company, is bucking that trend with plans to open two new venues this year. Reddington speaks to Intelligent SME.tech about what he thinks makes a good pub, his approach to hiring and building customer loyalty in difficult times.
Tell me more about how you founded The Reddington Pub Company, and what gap in the market did you see?
My journey into the pub game wasn’t driven by fancy spreadsheets or market research, but by a genuine love for the proper, modern day boozer. I felt there was a growing gap between the identikit chains and the truly authentic, community-focused pubs that were becoming rare.
At the same time, I felt there was too much focus on chasing awards and fine dining experiences that don’t always deliver real value for money. I wanted to create something that sat in the space between mid-range and Michelin, something more accessible, but still with great food and a memorable experience.
The Reddington Pub Company began with The Old Vol in Caythorpe [in Lincolnshire in England]. It needed some serious TLC, but I immediately recognised its potential to become a cracking village hub with a modern twist. Since then, we’ve grown the business to include The Reindeer in Hoveringham and The Anchor in Gunthorpe [both Nottinghamshire], each pub with its own identity, but all built around the same core values.
Our vision was simple: offer quality food and drink, create a relaxed and inviting atmosphere and become an integral part of the local community.
We focused on modern British dishes with unique customer experiences. It’s grown from there, always with that core idea of community and quality at the heart. That initial vision continues to guide us as we grow and evolve and keeps us on the straight and narrow.
What is your strategy for hiring staff?
I firmly believe that a business is only as good as its people, which is why our hiring strategy is so crucial. For me, it boils down to this: hire for attitude, train for skill. Technical abilities can be taught, but qualities like empathy, a strong work ethic and a genuine desire to provide exceptional service are inherent. You can’t teach someone to be a decent human being.
We look for individuals who are passionate about hospitality, who understand our commitment to community and who are eager to contribute to a positive and supportive team environment. We want people with the right attitude.
How do you foster strong connections with your local communities, and how important is this?
Community engagement is absolutely essential to our success. A pub should be more than just a place to grab a pint or a bite to eat, it should be a gathering place, a social hub and a source of local pride. It’s where people come together, share stories and put the world to rights.
We actively support local events, partner with regional suppliers and take feedback from our customers seriously. We’ve done loads for the locals, right through to paying for the Christmas panto. We do countless sell-out events where we’ve seen 67% of the local community attend.
We also create spaces for the whole family, like the Love Island garden and the kids’ play area which includes a Co-op, hairdressers, train station and even a mini version of the pub called ‘The Young Volunteer’. Parents feel safe knowing their kids are secure and close by.
Not only that, we regularly host events like ladies night, a 90s themed rewind party and of course, the very popular Ibiza White Party! There’s always something happening at our pubs, so be sure to stay tuned on our socials for our latest announcements.
And it’s this commitment to community that truly defines our pubs. The Reindeer pub is located in Hoveringham, and we really try to make it a British venue with echoes dating back to the 18th century and the only pub in the Midlands to win a Bib Gourmand. We want to be an integral part of the community, not just a business operating within it. We even had locals help us choose the name for The Anchor in Gunthorpe. That’s how seriously we take it.
How do you build customer loyalty in uncertain times?
We’re currently living in constant change and economic uncertainty, building lasting customer loyalty requires a multi-faceted approach. It’s about consistently delivering exceptional experiences, fostering genuine relationships and demonstrating a deep understanding of your customers’ needs.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We listen to customer feedback, respond to concerns and go the extra mile to make their experience memorable. By prioritising customer satisfaction and building trust, we can cultivate a loyalty that endures even in the most challenging times. It’s about being a friendly face in a world that can sometimes feel a bit impersonal.
How do you make sure your pubs’ dining experience stands out from the rest?
Dining should be an experience that delights the senses, nourishes the soul and creates lasting memories. That’s why we’re committed to offering pub dining experiences that are truly exceptional.
We focus on sourcing high-quality, seasonal ingredients, crafting creative and innovative menus and cultivating a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. I want our chefs to have the freedom to experiment and put their own spin on things. We want to create memories, not just fill bellies.
Tell me more about Thrive and how it helps SMEs.
While The Reddington Pub Company is focused on building thriving communities through our pubs, I’m also deeply passionate about empowering small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to achieve their full potential. That’s why I founded Thrive, a learning platform designed to help SMEs and larger organisations unlock the power of their people.
I recognised that many SMEs were struggling to compete and grow because they lacked access to effective and affordable training solutions. Traditional training methods are often expensive, time-consuming and dull as ditchwater.
Thrive offers a modern approach, providing engaging, accessible and results-driven learning experiences that empower employees to develop new skills, enhance their performance and contribute to the overall success of the business.
What’s the key to business growth?
In my experience, sustainable business growth requires a blend of vision, strategy, talent and a relentless focus on people. You need a clear understanding of your market, a well-defined plan for achieving your goals and a team of passionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to bringing that vision to life.
But perhaps most importantly, you need to prioritise your people, your employees, your customers and your community. By investing in their success, you’ll create a business that is not only profitable but also sustainable and deeply rewarding. It’s about building something that lasts, something that makes a real difference.
Tell me more about your career.
I was named one of The Times Top 50 Entrepreneurs to Watch, and I’ve brought everything I’ve learnt through that journey into this business.
We’ve built pubs that are more than just businesses. They’re community spaces where people come together, connect, celebrate and support each other. And with Thrive, we’re helping SMEs do the same in their own space. That’s the kind of impact I care about.
What’s next for The Reddington Pub Company?
We’ve got big things coming. We’re investing £3 million into two new venues in Gunthorpe. These are going to be major additions that continue everything we stand for, which is community-led, quality-focused and full of character.
We’re always looking for ways to level up what we do. More events, more for families, more reasons for people to make our pubs part of their week, not just a treat.
