46 Years Behind the Bar: How One Publican Built a Thriving Community Pub

From shipbuilding in Hull to creating a community hub in Ash, Mike Armitage's story highlights the lasting impact of running a successful pub.

For 46 years, Mike Armitage has been at the heart of the Lion Brewery in Ash, Surrey, turning it into much more than a pub. Through community events, fundraising and a passion for hospitality, he has built a venue that continues to bring people together.

Now 87 years old, Mike remains actively involved in the day-to-day running of the pub.

"I can't stop in bed," he says. "I've got a good team around me, I enjoy helping people and being part of the community. This pub gives me purpose."

A Different Route into Hospitality

Mike's journey into the pub trade began after leaving his career in shipbuilding. Following a move to North Wales, he started working in a hotel as a handyman before discovering a passion for hospitality while helping out behind the bar.

As his experience grew, so did his responsibilities, progressing from cellar work and stock ordering to bar management. Eventually, encouraged to run a pub of his own, Mike found the Lion Brewery and took on the business in August 1980.

Creating a Community Hub

Since then, Mike has dedicated himself to making the Lion Brewery a place where people can connect, socialise and support local causes.

One of his proudest achievements was launching the pub's first music festival in 1986. The event brought the community together, raised money for charity and demonstrated the important role pubs can play beyond serving food and drink.

"It was one of the happiest days in the pub trade of my life," Mike recalls.

Raising Thousands for Good Causes

Community support has always been central to Mike's approach. Over the years, he has helped raise more than £270,000 for charities, including Childline, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and a range of local causes.

His fundraising efforts have also attracted support from well-known names, including television personalities John Stapleton and Gloria Hunniford.

The Lasting Impact of a Great Pub

Music continues to play an important role at the Lion Brewery, with regular live performances helping to bring customers together.

One memorable success story is Toby Hounsham, now keyboard player for The Stranglers, who first performed at the pub as a child during local jam sessions.

For Mike, stories like these are what make running a pub so rewarding.

"It's about keeping the community together," he says. "People come in to socialise, meet people and feel part of something."

Built on People

After more than four decades, Mike's story demonstrates what can be achieved when a pub is run with passion, purpose and a commitment to the local community.

From fundraising and live music to creating a welcoming space for generations of customers, the Lion Brewery has become a lasting example of the positive impact a great publican can have.

Looking for your own pub success story?

If Mike's journey has inspired you, explore our latest pub opportunities and discover how partnering with Stonegate Pub Partners can help you build a thriving pub business at the heart of your community.

Browse our available pubs today and take the first step towards running your own successful pub.