Let’s Get Down to Business

ANDREW Cryne is the new landlord of the Anchor Inn in Friday Street, Henley. Married to Kate, they have two sons and one daughter. They have just moved to the town, having previously run a hotel and pub business in Manningtree, Essex.

Describe your business?

The Anchor Inn is a cosy
family-run pub, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors gather. The family personally manage the bar serving drinks with a friendly, personalised service.

How many people does it employ?

Including ourselves we have a total of six members of staff working out the front and we are currently searching for a chef.

What did you do before you started your business?

I am a former police officer in the City of London, retiring as a sergeant in charge of the firearms training wing in December 2019. For the last three years

I managed a pub, the Crown, in Manningtree.

What was your objective in starting your business?

Our objective is to create a welcoming space, where the community could gather, enjoy great food and drinks and experience genuine hospitality, all while building a sustainable, rewarding venture.

Who or what influenced you?

Being our own bosses has influenced us the most. This means we have the freedom to make decisions, shape the business vision and pursue our passion on our terms.

Do you have a mentor or role model?

My former boss Matt Allum, a seasoned pub operator now running three pubs, was an invaluable mentor. He taught me the importance of excellent service, community engagement and the balance of running a successful business and fostering a welcoming atmosphere.

Will you compare results on a regular basis?

My son Elliot will concentrate on this area of the business. Weekly reviews help track immediate sales, staff performance and customer feedback.

Monthly comparisons provide insights into trends, promotions and costs while annual assessments focus on overall growth, profitability, and long term goals, helping to refine future business strategies.

How do you market your business?

Through social media platforms by sharing enticing photos of our venue, food, drinks and staff. We will be engaging with our audience by posting regularly and responding to comments.

What’s the best thing about running your business?

The best thing about running a family-run business is working closely with loved ones, sharing a common passion and creating lasting memories.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

Balancing long hours with a personal life, managing fluctuating customer demands and handling operational pressures such as staffing finances and maintaining consistent service quality.

Where is your business headed?

The immediate future is to recruit a chef and to remodel the kitchen to ensure it is fit for purpose. We are aiming for a small menu, serving simple but excellent food, which is good value for money.

Do you have a five-year plan?

Yes, we have short term and long term goals and have set these up as part of our business plan.

Do you have a work-life balance?

Currently it is all a bit of a whirlwind, as it has been full on redecorating and getting the pub ready to start trading again. One of the first steps though is to set clear boundaries between our work and personal life. This means we will defining our working hours and sticking to our schedule so we can enjoy our favourite pastime of walking the dog.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Effective communication. This has ensured that, as a family unit, we have understood our roles and responsibilities, the goals we are working towards and how our work contributes to overall success.

What advice would you offer to anybody starting a business?

Follow your dreams and do the sums.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made?

Fortunately, this has yet to be tested. Ask me again in a year and I’m sure we will have a catalogue of mistakes to share.

How organised are you?

We do make a to-do list at the beginning of each day, prioritising tasks based on urgency and importance. We also set specific deadlines for ourselves and use a calendar to schedule regular check-ins on our progress.

How are you planning for retirement?

I thought I had already retired once but obviously Kate has had other ideas. We have started to make plans through financial planning and investments.

What three qualities do you think are most important?

You must have clarity in what you are trying to achieve before you can go after it. You have to have a willingness and the desire to follow through with your plans and achieve your goal. You must have confidence — you will not achieve anything if you don’t believe you can do it.

How do you dress for work each day?

Having had to wear a uniform for 30 years, clothes matter to me now. The way you present yourself leaves a lasting impression.

What can’t you do without every day?

Walking our dog Fia, with Kate.

What do you read?

I am currently reading Endurance by Alfred Lansing. It is a brilliant read.

What change would you most like to see in 2024/5?

I would like to see the government supporting the hospitality industry.

Interview by Will Hamilton,
intermediary and global marketing consultant, Hamilton Associates