Before becoming a successful pub business owner, Ben previously toured the world as guitarist for The Carnabys. Performing alongside the likes of Blondie and other huge artists, Ben is well versed in having a hectic schedule and keeping lots of plates spinning.

Time for a change

Ben made the decision that running a pub was for him and so began searching for the best way to achieve his goal. A partnership seemed to be the perfect option. The Palmers name had popped up several times during his search, so Ben decided to contact the brewery. Relocation from London was going to be a big step, but one he was more than willing to take.

Recognising his dream pub would be in a bustling seaside town, he began to narrow his search. Ben visited The Ship Inn, Lyme Regis, currently not on the market, and fell in love with the pub.

…’a great partner for my own brand and my own pub’…

Initially Ben said ‘I wasn’t too bothered where I ended up’ however, after a visit to the brewery, his ideal location was becoming clearer. Recognising now that his dream pub would be in a bustling seaside town, he began to narrow his search. Ben visited The Ship Inn, Lyme Regis, and fell in love with the pub. Location, size and everything about the pub was perfect. At this time, the pub was not currently on the market, so Ben went off back to London.

…‘palmers had a very good reputation and had won awards for how they work with their tenants’…

Some good news!

After a year and a half of patience, Ben finally saw The Ship on the Palmers ‘to let’ page. He wasted no time in contacting Jim Jones, Palmers Tenanted Trade Director, who arranged a pub visit shortly afterwards. Six weeks later, Ben was in and the official landlord of The Ship, ready to ‘inject life’ into the pub.

The big move

Fast forward another year and Ben, partner Grace and dog Stevie (after Stevie Nicks, of course) are running a very successful business in a busy seaside town. ‘I put my own spin on a traditional and well-loved brand’…Ben said, from regular open mic nights to their Wednesday quiz night (fully booked most weeks!) the pub has transformed into the vision Ben meant for it. A vibrant, welcoming pub for locals and tourists alike, The Ship is a hub of activity in the Winter months as well as the Summer. Ben’s ideas for the pub are not only imaginative, but well executed and his many return customers reflect that.

View our full interview with Ben below, where he explores the highs and challenges of being pub business owner for one year, with Palmers Brewery. Ben gives tips and tricks of the trade, as well as letting us in on the big secrets – his favourite Palmers pubs – except the Ship of course!