106. Inapub Spring magazine 2024 - Stay

Welcome to the family

With the rise of the experience economy, pubs with rooms are well placed to offer travellers a memorable stay they can’t find elsewhere. A bed for the night in a pub offers atmosphere, convenient access to food and drink and a taste of local culture. At The Prince of Wales, Dave and Jennie Higgins are focused on providing just that.

“It’s important to know and believe in your own offering,” says Dave. “We don’t compete with the Travelodges of this world or any other discounted hotel. We put our offer and what we stand for out there and stay true to our family values”.

Jennie agrees: “Return bookings are brilliant and very strong for us. As a family-run business, we feel attention to detail is what gets us repeat trade. We focus on providing a nice and relaxed atmosphere, nothing over the top – simple but done nicely”.

Dave and Jennie took over The Prince of Wales, one of the standout pubs in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, in January 2022. “We run a family business where everyone and their dog is welcome,” says Dave.

Jennie adds: “We have another pub, The Fox & Hounds in Riseley, and have been in the trade for a long time, but this is our first pub with rooms. It has been a steep learning curve but one we have enjoyed.”

Ampthill combines historical charm with modern amenities, making it an appealing destination for visitors and a popular place to live and work. It’s an affluent town with lots of tourist, business and wedding trade. The town has several traditional pubs that offer a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a taste of local hospitality, so what do the team at The Prince of Wales do to stay ahead of the competition?

Jennie says: “We have never had to advertise, and we just take bookings over the phone.

“Having a presence on Google My Business really helps visitors to the area find us”.

Dave adds: “We have been good at building relationships with Lockheed Martin and other local companies and win long-term stays with their contractors. We also use our reputation to win bookings from the large amount of wedding trade that comes to the town.”

Communication with customers is key, Jennie explains. “Be relaxed about things and get yourself and your staff into a routine. Our key message from the start has been “come stay in our house”.

“Take each day as it comes, work hard. It’s your business, so you get out what you put in. We are lucky to have exceptional staff and the real piece of advice I can offer anyone looking to take on a pub with rooms is to treat your team well, like family, and make sure you have that team behind you.”