The Black Dog Pub

The Black Dog Public House in Main Street at the south-easterly end of the village, was built in the late 1800s using locally quarried Broadmayne brick. For many years, it shared the role of the ‘local’ pub with The Compasses, but now stands alone. Since then, many licensees have come and gone, staying for between a few months and fifteen years. Each period of ‘residence’ has contributed a little piece of memorabilia such as attractive crockery, pictures and details of services that were available – Jackie Williams, the publican in the 60s offered B & B for 17/6p per night! Most items are on display. Up until 1997, the pub building was owned by a brewery, but since then, it has been owned by a Japanese Bank; my wife Elizabeth and I own the business as franchisees. We have a similar arrangement at The New Inn Public House in West Knighton.

I was born in Yorkshire, but when quite young, moved to the Midlands. I actually have a farming background and in about 1971, moved south to Dorset, where I continued these interests in the Bridport and Dorchester areas. In the late 70s, I concentrated on the licensing trade as manager of The Royal Oak in Dorchester and then managed two pubs in Bridport. My next move was to The Black Dog.

Elizabeth is a qualified school-teacher and this was her first venture into the trade – a dramatic change! The running of the pub is shared – she deals with catering – I deal with ‘front of house’ business. We have a 14 year old son, Barnaby, who attends school in Dorchester and recently has helped us with his knowledge of modern technology – he has created our own Web site!

We employ up to 25 staff, all local persons, and with their help and a lot of hard work, have made a friendly and attractive focal point for the village. Changes have involved restructuring the bar and restaurant areas and providing a wide range of entertainments – these include jazz, karaoke, charity horse racing, quiz nights, skittle alley and the more traditional pastimes such as cribbage, darts and pool. The garden has been improved to attract family custom. We have built a reputation for good food, promptly served at competitive prices. Our customers, both young and old, receive a warm welcome and often visit just for companionship.

Since moving here, we have tried to actively support the village and have sponsored charity appeals such as the MRI scanner, Cancer Research, the local school and football team. Help with the environment comes with the location of several recycling bins on our car-park.

Trade is changing – six pubs a week are closing in the UK; there is a constant battle with cheap imports and supermarket price cutting. Currently, the village alone could not sustain our business and we must advertise widely to encourage custom. In 1996, our business was 80% drink sales to 20% food. By 2001, it is expected to be 35% to 65%. This balance must be redressed or pubs as we know them will not exist. Next year relaxation of licensing hours come into force, which will change drinking habits to allow more choice – with sympathetic understanding to all those it affects – nearby residents, customers, staff, etc., we will be flexible in how we adapt to the change.

We look to the future with optimism and although our way of life involves long hours and hard work, we very much enjoy being part of Broadmayne.

Ken Powls