Marston's Licensee Featured in The Publican

Darrall Bebbington has been with Marston's for five years, having run three managed houses and a tenancy. He is one of the first licensees to trial the new Retail Agreement, at 18th-century coaching inn the Robin Hood in Congleton, Cheshire. The pub had been closed for two years before Darrall took it over.

Darrall says: "Marston's did a complete refurb on it before we opened up and it's great. We have one of the food-led agreements, which basically means we run a Marston's managed house menu, but it's effectively my business and it's up to me how I run things.

"Marston's pays the bills. The only thing I'm responsible for paperwork-wise is paying the staff and insurance.

"I've had experience on both sides of the pub business and I enjoy this way of doing things more. I've got more freedom to do what I want to do and make the business work - which is great for everyone."

The Robin Hood Inn's trade if 75 per cent food, with 70 covers inside and 50 outside. He employs 20 full and part-time staff and takes between £10,000 and £12,000 a week net.

"It's the best thing I ever did.  For me, this is by far the best way. I get my percentage and it makes me a decent living for very little risk" Darrall says.

Created: 04th August 2010