We sat down with Chris Irving, Divisional Director, to catch up on his week and discuss how the industry has changed since he first started Fleurets. Have a read below!
- How has your week been?
I have just returned from holiday so busy catching up. There are more enquiries from prospective vendors, so appointments to be arranged. Inevitably there are a few last minute issues on deals which need to be sorted out before completion. There is strong demand for a number of key sites so there will be more viewing days. It's a bit of a mixed week as usual.
- What is your role at Fleurets?
I am responsible for acquisitions and disposals of pubs and hotels primarily in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. With 24 years' experience covering these counties I have dealt with a huge number of pubs and hotels for both private and corporate clients, ranging from pubs with are no longer viable to classic country inns in the heart of the Cotswolds.
- Favourite pub/bar to drink at?
If out with my family The Bell at Langford, which has an excellent food reputation, is a favourite. If I am on holiday in the UK a pint in The Fraggle Rock on Bryher or a pint of Bass in the Swan Little Haven takes a lot of beating after a good walk.
- What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being a successful agent since I started with Fleurets in 1999. The reason why I chose to deal with licensed premises, rather than just buildings, is the characters involved. You need to understand the business you are selling and it is always great when a previous client instructs you on another sale.
- Your final meal?
With my family, I do not suppose the food would really matter. My wife might say pointless wasting the money!
- How has the industry changed since you started at Fleurets?
During 24 years we have seen huge changes in legislation, customer habits, recessions, boom times and Covid. Just need to keep going, no doubt there will be more changes and challenges, that is just life.
- What's your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Tennis in the morning followed by a perfect family lunch, with my sons home from London, followed by a dog walk along the Thames and a few bottles of Pinot Noir thrown into the mix.
- Favourite thing about working at Fleurets?
Having worked with some colleagues for 24 years it is great to have built up longstanding and trusted working relationships. The annual company day enables all colleagues to get together from around the country, great to catch up over far too many beers!
- What is your drink of choice and what do you avoid at all costs?
A well kept pint of beer. The Bass in the Swan Little Haven is a great choice. Anything with chocolate in should be avoided, chocolate in my view should be kept for puddings.
- Where do you see the hospitality market in the next six months?
Let's all hope it is in a better place than the last 6 months with all the problems with inflationary costs, utility bills, staffing issues and supply problems. Despite these issues many operators are still trading well and once costs are under control hopefully confidence will return. It might just be that in 12 months' time operators kick themselves for missing out on great deals.
