20 Years of Partnership: Ben Chapman at The Old Bull Inn

Introductory Highlights:

• A 20-year partnership built on openness, honesty and trust.
• Transforming a vacant property into a thriving, multi-faceted community pub.
• Ongoing business support and investment sustaining year-round local trade.

The Challenge

After graduating with a degree in French, working in ski resorts and managing venues in London, Ben Chapman was clear about one thing — he wanted to run his own business. With strong hospitality experience behind him, he was ready to take the next step.

However, when he took on The Old Bull Inn in Royston, Hertfordshire, the scale of the challenge quickly became apparent. The property had been left vacant and required significant work to bring it back to life. From basic repairs — including replacing more than 150 light bulbs — to re-establishing its reputation in the local area, there was a great deal to do.

Beyond the physical improvements, Ben needed to reposition the pub as a destination that could drive consistent local trade throughout the week and across the year. With accommodation, a restaurant, a bar and function spaces all under one roof, it was far more than a simple pub operation — it was a diverse, multi-revenue business that required careful management and a long-term vision.

The Solution

Ben’s long-standing relationship with Greene King Pub Partners has been central to the pub’s evolution. He describes the partnership as open and honest — built on trust and mutual understanding.

Over more than 20 years, Greene King has provided consistent business support, helping Ben navigate different trading periods and offering guidance when needed. Strong relationships with area managers and key contacts — including mentors he now considers friends — have created a collaborative environment where ideas can be discussed openly and decisions made confidently.

Crucially, Greene King Pub Partners understood the unique nature of his business model and supported the investment and development required to unlock its potential. With a shared focus on long-term sustainability rather than short-term gains, the partnership has enabled steady growth and continuous improvement.

The Result

Today, The Old Bull Inn is firmly embedded in the Royston community. What was once a vacant property has become a vibrant, all-year-round hub.

The pub hosts baby groups, jazz nights, business meetings and private functions, serving customers from morning through to evening. The venue’s combination of accommodation, dining, events and bar trade ensures diversified income streams and resilient local trade.

For Ben, the success lies not only in commercial performance but in longevity. A 20-year partnership built on transparency, guidance and strategic investment has allowed him to create a dynamic, sustainable business that continues to evolve.

Ready to build your own long-term success?

View our available pubs to let

Full transcript:

After graduating with a degree in French, working in ski resorts and running venues in London, Ben Chapman was determined to run his own business.

Now an experienced hospitality professional, Ben talked about his 20-year relationship with Greene King Pub Partners when we caught up with him at his charming pub, The Old Bull Inn, located in Royston, Hertfordshire.

Ben – “If I was to describe Greene King Pub Partners in three words, I’d say it’s open, honest and definitely a partnership.”

“We’ve been with Greene King for over 20 years. It’s been a great relationship and we’ve definitely built a bond with our area managers and our contacts within Greene King. We’ve become quite good friends with them. I’d known Andy for a few years previous to Greene King, and I’d class him as a friend and a mentor.”

“We’ve had a really open and honest relationship with Greene King and they’ve supported us throughout our whole tenure. I think they’ve understood our business and helped guide us through certain periods of time.”

“When we took it on, it was pretty much a vacant property — we counted over 150 or 160 light bulbs to change. We’ve turned it into a part of the community. Now we host everything from baby groups in the morning and jazz groups on a Monday to business meetings. It’s an all-week-round business, as well as an all-year-round business.”

“Here, there’s accommodation, functions, a restaurant and a bar — we’re running several different types of business, which keeps it very interesting for us.”

Has this story inspired you? Call us on 01284 843200 or live chat with us now to discuss your future pub plans.