For Jodi Gallimore MBII and her husband, Mark, running a pub has never been just about business. It’s a way of life and a chance to create spaces where people feel they belong. The BII’s Imogen Vivier MBII reports.
Jodi and Mark’s first steps into the pub world began more than 18 years ago, when they took on their first venture. Having both grown up in and around pubs, Mark jumped at the chance to take one on and, from the start, they realised that it would require more than just financial investment, but also an emotional commitment, along with a strong sense of community spirit.
That early experience, which saw them managing several sites, gave them the confidence to grow, as they constantly learned from, and adapted to, the huge industry changes along the way.
Before the Covid pandemic, they owned three pubs, each with its own personality and customer base. They recognised that no two pubs could ever be run the same way, with Jodi stating that “each individual pub needs its own strategy to succeed”.
Pubs in a pandemic
When Covid struck, pubs across the UK faced uncertainty like never before. Jodi discusses how, in particular, hospitality took a “great hit” forcing her and Mark to “adapt and change”. With the three sites each bringing unique challenges, survival for Jodi and Mark depended heavily on their flexibility as operators.
One of their pubs, The Craven Arms, became a lifeline, thanks to its outdoor space. With indoor gatherings restricted, its large garden was transformed into a safe and welcoming haven. They even installed a tipi in the grounds, which helped to create an atmosphere that was enjoyable for customers, while also conforming to Covid rules. People were desperate for interaction and a sense of normality, and the couple found inventive ways to provide just that.
The Oddfellows presented a different challenge. Before Jodi and Mark took it on, it had operated as a gastropub. But this, as Jodi puts it, had “alienated the village”. The modernised style had clashed with what the community really needed — a warm, familiar and accessible local.
Determined to put things right, Jodi spent weeks knocking on doors, listening to concerns and reassuring residents that the pub was now theirs. Her personal approach rebuilt trust and, during the pandemic The Oddfellows became one of their most successful and profitable sites.
This period also taught them a lasting lesson about structure. Restrictions forced them to use booking and pre-payment systems, which offered financial security and gave them better ways to manage customer expectations. Even though demand for outdoor spaces declined after restrictions ended, many of the efficiencies they developed remain in place today.
Streamlining to two sites
Post-pandemic, Jodi and Mark made the strategic decision to consolidate their business, from three pubs into two: The Crown and The Bull.
The Crown, in Theale, is a small pub with a huge outdoor area, which comes alive in the summer. It has evolved into a wet-led, community focused space. When the kitchen proved unprofitable, they closed it for everyday service and instead used it only for events. Most of the kitchen operations now take place at The Bull.
The Bull, on the other hand, is a bigger operation. Around 35% of its revenue comes from food, and its customers include both loyal locals and visitors drawn by the offer of hearty meals and the friendly atmosphere. Mark points out: “The Bull has 25% higher turnover than The Crown,” though costs, particularly staffing, are higher and need careful management.
Sport is a major draw at The Bull, with live matches consistently delivering footfall. However, Jodi has noticed changing trends in entertainment. Live music and themed nights no longer pull in the same numbers, while corporate events and wedding bookings are on the rise. For her, adaptability is key. Knowing when to reduce one offer and expand another is essential in modern pub management.
Creativity and community
Jodi and Mark are never afraid to try new ideas, even if not all of them succeed. Rock and roll bingo, for example, didn’t take off, partly because traditional bingo was widely available. So, they switched and tried silent discos, with the first one taking place at The Crown last summer.
Despite keeping a close eye on trends and trying new things, Jodi believes success isn’t always about novelty — sometimes it is about simplicity and nostalgia. Customers are becoming increasingly drawn to traditional experiences. Jodie explains: “People want community and interaction. Sitting down with a board game in a traditional pub is more appealing now than it used to be. People crave nostalgia, and sometimes the conversations they have in the pub are the only interactions they’ve had all day.”
Lessons learned
When asked what advice she would give to other pub owners, Jodi is clear: there is no single formula. “There is no concrete path to take,” she says. “You have to shape your business model around your pub and its specific demographic.”
She highlights how important it is to listen. Talking with other operators often sparks ideas and solutions to everyday challenges, and taking the time to hear from the local community helps keep the pub relevant and valued.
She also believes independence is vital: “The trick is to take the initiative and not let anyone tell you how to run your own pub.”
The role of the BII
Throughout their journey, the BII has been a key source of support. For Jodi, its most valuable role is in legal and HR guidance. “Having someone at the end of the phone to explain processes is really important,” she says. For many pub operators, issues around contracts, staffing and compliance can feel overwhelming. Access to clear, expert advice has given Jodi and Mark the confidence to keep moving forward.
Looking ahead
After nearly two decades in the trade, Jodi and Mark remain as committed as ever to their pubs and their communities. The challenges are still there, from rising costs to changing customer habits, but their approach roves that with creativity, care, and a deep sense of community, it’s possible to keep moving forward
