Why CAMRA’s Pub of the Year should be yours too

What makes the perfect pub? It’s the subject of one of my favourite ever pieces of writing. In fact you could write a very good book about it. (Perhaps even more than one – watch this space).

There are, of course, many potential factors. But usually, at the heart of it, are the people who run it. The best local breweries, most stunning views or finest Victorian architecture count for nothing if the people in charge are just going through the motions.

It’s not easy running a pub. You have to be great with people, and you have to be prepared to work long hours. To really shine, you either need the energy of youth, or the budget for a team to supply it. And the part that doesn’t get talked about often enough – it’s a business. You have to be a really good businessman – an exceptional ent …