RICHARD MOLLOY

Who are we?

No, I’m not going to get all existential on you here but, as publicans and managers – and subsequently the hosts of hundreds of parties, gatherings, celebrations and escapes for thousands of people every year – we’re public figures, whether we like it or not. With this notoriety comes popularity, respect, derision and judgement in differing measure, depending on relationships with our clientele.

And therein lies the big question: should we just be ourselves?

Whilst the obvious answer to this question would seem to be an unqualified “yes”, I’m not sure honesty is always the best policy when it comes to dealing with the drinking classes.

Such is the voracity of the pub grapevine, our actions, words, and opinions are dissected and discussed out of earshot and opinions formed often on whispers and hearsay; our personal lives played out in real time in the interactive theatre of the public bar.

So can we really leave ourselves open and act naturally in the limelight? I don’t think many of us can, and I doubt that many of us do. To be completely transparent would be to trust completely in the care of the congregation, and that way sadness lies.

Of course, this is the truth in all walks of life, but the relationship between publican and punter is almost unique and requires, in my opinion, greater understanding from those on the outside.

There is no level playing field for friendships. This is a problem, as much of our socialising is done within the hospitality of our own bar and, therefore, with some of those from whom we make our living. Although rarely mentioned in anything other than jest, this fact is not lost on either party and can be a cause of distrust on both sides – are they being nice to us to cosy up with the gaffer; are we courting them to keep their custom?

For the main part these worries remain dormant and good times are had, but when we have our down days – as everyone does – we are rarely afforded the benefit of a cathartic chat with chums, despite being counsellors for others.

This is part of our job, but to reciprocate is to be unprofessional and will ultimately be bad for business because who wants to drink in a pub with a whingeing gaffer?

Many licensees – this licensee included –struggle from time to time with their mental health – more so, in fact, than almost all other professions. We don’t have mental health days or a Human Resources department. We rarely just don’t turn up for work because we simply can’t face it. And to open up to friends runs the risk of our unhappiness becoming a topic of discussion for both those who wish us well and, unfortunately, those who don’t.

The remedy for a peaceful head is simple of course: spend time away from the pub and have a life outside of work. But too much time away can lead to standards slipping, earning less, and abandonment issues from your customers; some of whom would have you work a hundred hours a week just so you’re always there for them to tell you what an easy job you have.

The simple truth is that there is no right way to do our job. No textbook, instruction manual or training course. There are no publican gurus, and with good reason. We are often successful or not based purely on our public personas which differ from our

Sometimes the real trick is working out which is which.