The Unicorn Inn's manager Chris Brewster talks about a long road from fantasy to reality

Johnny and I shared the same dream – as many in Oxfordshire – we aspired to take over a pub and transform it into a bustling, successful inn at the heart of a community.

The opportunity to do exactly that came about towards the end of last year; we were given the keys to a tired and run-down sleeping giant called The Unicorn Inn, nestled in Deddington, near Banbury. Finally, the chance to put our own honed philosophies and theories to the test!

There is, quite simply, nothing that can prepare you fully for the trials and tribulations that are involved in setting up your own business. I, for one, can categorically say, “it nearly broke me, both physically and mentally”. It is really important to set realistic deadlines, especially when undertaking a refurbishment project. While it is vital to get a pub trading as soon as possible it is equally as important not to open your doors too early, not fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

After the relentless sleepless nights, bags under our eyes and a few additional grey hairs, we opened the doors to The Unicorn towards the end of November, just in time for the Christmas rush. We hit the ground running but soon realised you are only as good as the team you build around you. If you try to take on too much yourself you run the risk of burning out and being about as much use as a chocolate tea pot, or an alcoholic landlord.

Johnny and I were confident in our abilities to run a kitchen and front of house respectively, but it was evident we would have to grasp the responsibilities of being landlords pretty sharpish in order to flourish. While running a successful pub is primarily about consistently providing good quality food and service to the needs of the local market, there are many more unseen elements that play a significant role. Creating a welcoming ambience, maintaining a happy workforce, adhering to the laws and legislation, balancing the books and providing a clean and safe environment (to mention a few) are all imperative to the modern day landlord.

After now having been trading for three months we are in a position to evaluate our incredible journey thus far. Of course there are things we would have done differently if put in the same situation again, however, all in all we feel a sense of achievement. The pub has been transformed, the locals have a community inn that they are proud of and most importantly the business is viable. We realise this is only the beginning, and that there is a long way to go until we can say we have created a truly successful business.

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The Unicorn Inn is in Market Place, Deddington. Call 01869 338838 or see unicorndeddington.co.uk