A Day in the Life of a Publican: What Running a Pub Is Really Like
Thinking of becoming a publican? Whether you’re exploring a career change, dreaming of being your own boss, or passionate about people and pints, running a pub is one of the most rewarding and dynamic jobs out there. But what does a typical day in the life of a publican really look like?
Spoiler alert: there’s no such thing as a typical day. But if you're curious about what running a pub involves from morning to midnight, here’s a behind-the-bar look at what it’s really like to live the publican lifestyle.
7:00am – The Day Begins (With a Brew, of Course)
A publican’s day often starts early. After a strong coffee, it’s time to open up the pub, check deliveries, and inspect the site. Cleanliness is key, so the first job is usually a walk-through to make sure everything’s spotless and ready for the day ahead.
You’ll check stock levels, place orders with suppliers, and review the tills. Some publicans choose to do their bookkeeping or rota planning early, before the doors open and the day picks up pace.
9:00am – Community Connections and Planning Ahead
Publicans are more than license holders – they’re community figures. Many use the quiet hours to plan local events, respond to emails, or pop in to meet with suppliers, local organisations, or their Regional Manager. If your pub offers breakfasts or coffee mornings, you might already be serving your first regulars.
Running a pub is part business, part social hub. That balance of community and commerce is what makes the job so unique.
11:00am – Doors Open
Once open, the energy starts to build. A good publican checks in with staff, sets expectations for the day, and ensures everyone knows what events, promotions, or specials are running. You might be preparing for a lunchtime rush, live sport later, or a birthday party in the function room.
You’re not just running a pub, you’re creating an experience. Welcoming guests, helping behind the bar, serving food, and chatting to locals is all part of the job.
1:00pm – The Lunchtime Rush
Lunchtime in a pub can be fast-paced, especially if you serve food. A good publican jumps in where needed, pouring pints, running food, clearing tables, and keeping the atmosphere warm and welcoming.
Great publicans know their customers by name and remember their usual order. It’s this personal touch that keeps people coming back and makes running a pub feel more like hosting a family gathering than managing a business.
3:00pm – Reset and Recharge
After the lunchtime rush, there's time for a breather. Many publicans use this window to catch up on admin, update the pub’s social media, or prep for the evening crowd. It might also be time to switch over menus, tidy up, or meet with entertainment acts or DJs.
This is when the real balancing act kicks in: managing operations, supporting your team, and keeping your customers happy.
5:00pm – The After-Work Crowd Arrives
As offices close and the workday ends, pubs come alive again. People pop in for after-work drinks, happy hour, or to catch the game. It’s a great time for upselling, promoting events, and creating a buzz.
For many publicans, evenings are when the magic happens. You’re in your element, meeting new faces, greeting regulars, and watching your pub thrive.
8:00pm – Events, Entertainment & Evening Vibes
If you’re running a pub with live music, pub quizzes, karaoke, or themed nights, this is your time to shine. Organising and hosting events helps boost trade and gives your pub personality. You’ll often be coordinating with staff, checking in with performers, and making sure guests are having a good time.
This is where the creativity of being a publican really comes into play – every night can be different, and you set the tone.
11:00pm – Wind Down and Lock Up
As the night draws to a close, you’ll help wind things down, cashing up tills, checking stock, and locking up. It can be a long day, but there's something special about reflecting on a packed pub, happy guests, and smooth service.
You might review the day’s sales, prep for tomorrow, or simply take five minutes to put your feet up. Either way, there’s huge pride in knowing you ran the show.
So, What’s It Really Like Being a Publican?
Running a pub is about so much more than pulling pints. It’s about being a leader, a listener, a marketer, a cleaner, and a friend. It’s about creating a space where people feel at home. It can be tough, long hours, busy weekends, and juggling lots at once, but the rewards are big too.
Publicans often say no two days are ever the same, and that’s part of the appeal. If you’re someone who thrives on variety, loves working with people, and wants to run your own business with character and community at its heart, being a publican might just be your dream role.