Frequently Asked Questions

Pubs Available

What is the rent on a pub?
The rent for each pub is calculated on an individual basis. To ensure fair play on rents, our rent panel has input from an independent rent expert.
Will the pub be refurbished before I move in?
Our Open House lease ensures that the property is of an agreed high standard on hand-over or shortly after hand-over.
Does Marston's Pub Company offer any finance?
We can offer a conditional purchase scheme where you can buy the fixtures & fittings of the business over a period of time.
Are any of the pubs for sale?
No, none of the pubs on the internet site are for freehold sale.
Can we do food at the pub?
Yes, if there are facilities on site that meet with Health & Safety regulations.
What is the difference between your tenancies and leases?
See the options overview page for an explanation of the different tenancy/lease options we offer.
Do I have to buy all products from the brewery?
All drinks, including beers, lagers, ciders, wines, spirits, ready mixed drinks, alcopops and soft drinks - but the choice of food you want to sell is yours.
What's the difference between liquid and borrowed capital?
We refer to liquid as being available cash i.e. sitting in your bank account; borrowed cash needs to be repaid i.e. to a bank or building society.
How long does it take to successfully apply for a pub?
It depends on many variables - are you ready - are we ready - is the pub ready etc. However, most successful applicants enter their pub between 3-6 weeks of starting the process with us.
When I click the 'Search' button, nothing happens, or it takes a long time?
Depending on how many pubs we have available, what you have searched for, and how fast your connection is, will all effect how long it takes for the results to be shown. Please be patient is can take quite a few seconds to see 'all pubs' for example.
I can't find any available pubs in the area I am looking for?
Then we recommend subscribing to our email alert service. You can only have 1 email alert setup, but you can specify the search results you'd like emailed every fortnight. That way you won't miss out on a new pub when it comes up.
Any other questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact our business opportunities co-ordinators who are experts on all aspects of Marston's Pub Company.

About You

Do I need any qualifications to run a pub?
Yes, you need to the National Licensees Certificate, and we offer training for this qualification.
Do you provide any training?
Yes, there are different workshops, courses and qualifications that we offer, see our skills page for further information.
Do I need experience to run a pub?
No, not necessarily. Although any experience, whether you've got 'hands on' or business skills would be beneficial.
Is there a minimum/maximum age requirement to run a pub?
Yes, 18 is the minimum age requirement for any of our pubs, however there is no maximum age limit.
Do you need to be a couple to run a pub?
Not at all. At the end of the day it's your business and up to you. We have single people, couples and partnerships running successful businesses.
Will I be able to run a pub with CCJ's or a bad credit reference?
It is possible. We assess each case on an individual basis.
Will I be able to have a pub if I have been disqualified from driving with drink driving?
It is possible, but we would need to discuss the circumstances with you.
Any other questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact our business opportunities co-ordinators who are experts on all aspects of Marston's Pub Company.

Lease Options

I want to run my own pub but have no experience. What should I do first?
Get a friendly licensee to let you work behind a bar for a week, even if unpaid. You'll soon get a taste of the pub trade.
How do most people raise the necessary money to take over a pub?
From savings or capital. We strongly advise you not to sell your home to pay for the business - if things don't work out, you will need the security of your home.
How do I decide if I have the right skills to run a pub?
We'll be happy to discuss the issue when we meet - and we'll give you an honest appraisal. Don't forget that we can help you to get these skills.
I think I have the right qualities but need technical and business advice. Can you help?
Of course. It's in all our interests to make a success of your pub. We provide training in business skills, how to run a cellar, advice on your ideas for money spinners and a lot, lot more. However, we would always recommend that you take independent financial and legal advice so that you are sure your plans are realistic and that you understand what you are taking on.
I'm already managing a pub but want to run my own business. How can Marston's Pub Company help me?
Marston's Pub Company has already helped hundreds of its own managers to set up their own pub as their own successful business - and we can do the same for you.
You talk about finding the right pub. How do I go about this?
The most up-to-date information on which pubs we have available is here on our website. Alternatively you can phone, fax or email us at any time for a current pub listing.
You offer three packages - which should I choose?
You have three crystal clear options.

Pathway is the clearest course for most of the people who want to run a Marston's Pub Company pub, both those with experience and newcomers to the trade. It gives us a really good opportunity to get to know each other on fair, honest terms over the first three years.

Open House is a greater commitment - you've really got to be sure you have everything in place to make a success. If you do, you won't find a better deal - and remember, you can sell after just 2 years.

Both Pathway and Open House are available as a 'Plus' version, for when you and Marston's Pub Company feel that real growth in the business is possible and sustainable.

There is a third package - Square Deal - for when there are 'ifs' and 'buts' or delays on either or both sides. It's our way of being fair when things need to be sorted out on a short-term basis. Get in contact with us if you'd like more details.
Why Marston's Pub Company?
Because we have great brands, great pubs and great people - and a refreshingly different way of doing business. As you'll soon discover.
Any other questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact our business opportunities co-ordinators who are experts on all aspects of Marston's Pub Company.

Contact Us

What are your business hours?
We can normally be reached between 9:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday excluding public holidays.
Who can I speak to regarding marketing and sponsorship?
Please use the email page and the relevant heading and your email will be passed to the right person.
I've sent you an email and/or filled in the enquiry form and I haven't yet heard anything back from you?
We normally endeavour to process these forms within five business days, but at the moment a combination of a large volume of applications and staff holidays means that things may take a bit longer.

If your application is urgent then please call us on 0844 848 3236.
I can't find any job vacancies for pubs on your website?
That's right. We deal solely in tenanted & leased Pubs. If you are looking for a management position or behind the bar, we recommend you try our parent company Marston's PLC website.
Do you conduct brewery tours?
Our parent company Marston's PLC provides tours of the Marston Brewery at our main site in Burton Upon Trent. See the section: 'About Marstons PLC' on their website for booking brewery tours.
Any other questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact our business opportunities co-ordinators who are experts on all aspects of Marston's Pub Company.

News

I am involved with a Marston's Pub Company pub, and I'd like to publish something as a news story on your site. Can you help me do this?
Of course - that's what it's for! As long as we feel it is relevant to Marston's Pub Company we should be able to help you. Please use this contact page to drop us a line about it.
How often is Tap Room News published?
We usually publish Tap Room News every two months. If you'd like a hard copy of our recent issue, please use this contact page to request one.
Why do some months not have any stories or are not listed?
We don't release news articles every month, and sometimes we remove old stories which is why there can be gaps or no stories shown for a particular month.
I can't find an old news story you once had on your site?
Sometimes we remove old stories. If you remember what it was about please use this contact page to drop us a line and we'll do our best to get you the information.
Where are the news stories on the news page?
The news stories are found via the headline links at the bottom of the news page. Each month listed is also a link, and will have associated news stories. The stories should appear in their own 'pop-up' window.
I'm clicking the headlines links, but I can't see the news articles?
Sometimes different windows get covered over by other windows in use on your computer. You may have to bring the news article window 'to the front' by either clicking on the different browser tabs in your task bar at the bottom of your screen, or by selecting 'View' and 'Goto' from the top menu bars in your browser software. If all else fails, we recommend closing all of your browser windows one by one and starting your internet session again on our site.
I still can't see the news articles?
The Pop-up windows we use rely on having 'Java' or JavaScript' turned on in your browser preferences. This is normally on by default, but may be the case that it needs to be turned on for you to be able to see the news articles.
Any other questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact our business opportunities co-ordinators who are experts on all aspects of Marston's Pub Company.

Site Map

What requirements does your site have?
We have tried to make our website as accessible as possible and compatible will as many browsers as possible. It has been designed for 800 x 600 pixels screens, and IE & Netscape versions 3 and above. Javascript needs to be on, and to view the downloadable documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available free from here.
I've looked at the site map and I still can't find what I am looking for?
Please email us with what you are looking for on our site and we'll try to help
I've read the download instuctions page, but I am still having problems.
If all else fails, simply email us and ask for the files you are attempting to download, then we can email them to you.
Any other questions?
Please don't hesitate to contact our business opportunities co-ordinators who are experts on all aspects of Marston's Pub Company.
 

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