Advice on running a bar

  • by Paulyne Antoniou 

Interview with...

Simon Gordon
Age:
55
CV:
Accountant
Business name:
Gordon's Wine Bar
Goods/services:
Has an award-winning wine list and also serves food 
Location:
47 Villiers Street, London
Trading for:
121 years (Gordon's is thought to be the oldest wine bar in London)

Simon Gordon on buying a bar...

"Before you buy a pub or wine bar you've got to really make sure you want to do it. I've seen a lot of people buy pubs or restaurants and within six months they've lost a load of money, sell up and leave.

"Some people think you buy the business and stand behind the bar drinking with your friends and it's all going to be lovely, but actually there's a lot of work involved."

Some people think you stand behind the bar drinking with your friends and it's all going to be lovely, but actually there's a lot of work involved

On employing managers...

"I've always employed managers but you have to have a really profitable business to be able to afford to have managers, otherwise you end up having to do it all yourself.

"You've got to know where you want to stand in business and you've got to understand the business really well."

On other tips and advice...

"You must be realistic about what the footfalls are and how much it's going to cost. It's important not to have an idealistic view."