James Gulter, Business Owner, The Spylaw Tavern
After years of managing bars and restaurants in Edinburgh, James knew it was time to take the leap and run a venue of his own. With deep roots in hospitality and a clear vision for what a great pub should be, he ventured into pub ownership in 2014 independently, then went onto working with Star Pubs in 2019 to extend his portfolio. Following a large investment by Star, the business was thriving but then the pandemic hit and like so many operators across the UK, James and his teams faced unprecedented challenges.
What made a difference during that time wasn’t just resilience, but partnership and maintaining those essential tools for success which supported their journey from the offset. From the start, Star Pubs stood out for their genuine interest in helping operators succeed. James explains, “they provide the tools, guidance and support to help you build something sustainable.”
During COVID, that support became even more important, with a phased rent relief and open, ongoing communication, which supported James and his team to stay afloat and focused.
Now fully recovered, James credits collaboration as a key ingredient for success. That includes the backing of Star Pubs, but also the strength of his own team. “Getting the right people in the right roles is everything. It’s what keeps operations smooth and teams happy, which can often be the toughest part of running a pub.”
His venue operates on a 50/50 food and wet split, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced pub classics. “We’ve built a reputation for getting the basics absolutely right,” he says. “Our Sunday roast is a standout and our wine list is deliberately curated to offer premium, unexpected choices that spark conversation.”
For James, it all comes down to four pillars: great product, great service, a welcoming atmosphere and the right support.
James’ advice to anyone thinking about entering the world of licensed pubs – “know your stuff, be brave and stick to your vision”.
Picture: James Gulter, The Spylaw Tavern