Hear from some of our female pub business owners, as they successfully navigate their way through their new pub business ventures.

As pubs shape the British community, we thought it important to shine a light on some of our new pub business owners, this International Women’s Day. We all know inspirational women and we are proud to say some of these happen to be our Palmers Pub Business Owners.

Ariana – The Ilchester Arms

Ariana and her partner, Paul, took charge of the Ilchester Arms in December 2024. We caught up with Ariana to see how things were going after being thrown in at the deep end before the busy Christmas period.

Can you tell us what inspired you to become a pub business owner, partnering with a family brewery?

I’ve been living in Bridport for the last three years and have always loved the Ilchester Arms. When it became available, my partner and I jumped at the chance to bring some life back into the space. I grew up in a family business back in America, so it’s been wonderful to have a similar kind of camaraderie with Palmers.

How did you decide on the Ilchester Arms?

The pub has always been a favourite of mine. The location is perfect and I love that there is a vegetable garden and orchard. Lots of potential!

What do you think has been the most challenging part of running your own pub so far?

I don’t recommend opening a pub on 1st December! We definitely jumped in at the deep end. Now that we’ve had a bit of time though, we feel like we’re really starting to settle in.

In your opinion, what is the most rewarding part of running your own pub?

So far we have really enjoyed bringing back some of the community activities to the Ilchester. We’re going to be hosting the Summer fete and have plans to host a few other events in the near future.

Do you have any advice for other aspiring pub business owners?

Make sure to do lots of research ahead of time. Know your competition and your customers.

What does the year ahead look like for the Ilchester?

We are hoping to host more events, supper clubs throughout the year. For the summer we will also be adding a BBQ menu to our offering which I am really looking forward to!

Do you have a favourite Palmers tipple?

I’m a big fan of the Ginger Beer!

Amanda – Fox and Hounds – Cattistock

Having opened this popular village pub back up in December 2024, we caught up with Amanda and her puppy, Moose, to see how she was getting on in her first few months of trading.

I know you are originally from the area. Did you always envisage coming back to Cattistock and running your old local?

It never even crossed my mind. I came back to visit my parents and decided I wanted to spend some more time in the area. Growing up, I drank in this pub and and as I had managed to get a cottage nearby, I thought why not apply to run the pub on Palmers website! I don’t really know how I got here but everything has just fallen into place and I’m very happy I made that call. It feels like I’m coming home again and now I have Moose the pub dog too!

What do you believe are the benefits of partnering with a small, family-run brewery?

The knowledge is key for me, it’s my first time running a traditional pub and the accessibility of help is so great and the Palmers knowledge is incredible. I like the way its not a massive chain, when I ring up I speak to someone which makes things a lot more personable. There are always people to help answer my silly questions!

Is it important to you to support female-owned, local businesses?

I think it is key to remember the importance of supporting all local businesses equally, wherever possible.

What does the year ahead look like for the Fox and Hounds?

Summer is going to be massive. I am really excited to open up the garden and the back bar, whilst hosting more events and keeping things really local and community driven. The pub is very busy which I wasn’t expecting at this time of year, but it’s great.

Do you have a favourite Palmers drink?

I must admit I am a fan of the Ginger Beer.

Joanna, new pub business owner of the Five Bells, Whitchurch Canonicorum

At the age of just 22, Joanna is currently the youngest pub business owner of a Palmers pub. We found out how she was finding her new challenge.

Have you always thought you’d like to run your own pub? What made you take the plunge?

When I started working as a waitress at the Five Bells, I thought the idea would be pretty cool but I never dreamt it would become a reality! Although I was not sure the timing was right (aged 22) to take on such a mammoth challenge, I knew I would look back in five years’ time and regret not taking the plunge.

Having worked at the Five Bells for ten years prior to taking on the pub it’s given me a great insight into the running of the pub and both locals and holiday makers who return.

What do you think the most challenging and rewarding parts of being the sole pub business owner are?

As a sole trade business owner, I think all the positive feedback I get is very rewarding. You know the changes you’ve made to the pub are down to you and no one else! When I see the pub full and it buzzing with locals all smiling and having a chuckle, I know my gamble was the right decision.

The most challenging part of being a sole trade owner is knowing you can’t be everywhere all the time! I have taken on the role as the cook at the pub, which is great and I really enjoy it. However, then I have the responsibility of having to pick the right staff to become front of house, which I can’t be when I’m cooking. I always try to go and speak to the customers after food service so knowing I can trust the staff I’ve hired to help give my customers the right experience is challenging.

How important is it to you to support other local businesses and local producers?

Having grown up within the farming industry, I know how important it is to support local food producers. It’s great to be able to promote the great quality food we can produce in such close proximity to the pub.

What advice would you give to other aspiring female pub business owners?

Why not break the mould and become a landlady. I think having done this people may act surprised it’s not a man in control but actually as long as you have the right staff to help support you on your journey the pub industry really is your oyster! It’s important to believe in your decisions and learn to delegate staff for those jobs you just can’t do.  More importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help from those around you – I’ve been very lucky to have such a supportive family who have been at my beckon call since I took over.

What is your favourite Palmers beer?

My favourite Palmers beer is Dorset Gold, the citrussy taste makes it perfect for a Summer’s Day!

The pub seems to be very busy which is great, can you tell us some of the plans you have for 2025?

The response has been overwhelming from local people and those who have travelled to see me so far. My Sunday roasts have continued to grow in popularity and have gone from 1 meat to 3!

The monthly quiz has been fully booked every month since it’s started. Our themed supper club evenings have proven to be a great success! I am now running two a month for local people to get together and catch up over a home cooked meal and glass of wine.

I have a few plans going forwards into the summer months. The campsite is due to open and I’ll look to extend the pub opening hours. Hoping to provide a traditional cooked breakfast on Saturday mornings. It’s important to me to utilise the space in the beer garden and have some live music events this summer (fingers crossed for good weather)!

Did you enjoy this article? Why not check out other similar ones, such as An Interview with Ben Gittins.