Growing with the Right Partner; Lars’ Multi-Pub Success with Greene King
Three Tuns, Biddenham
Introductory Highlights:
- From Operations Manager to successful multi-site tenant with Greene King Pub Partners.
- Hands-on business support and training which guides every step of the journey.
- A scalable partnership driving growth, investment and stronger local trade.
The Challenge
Lars De Wijngaert was already familiar with Greene King, working as an Operations Manager overseeing three of its pubs. However, stepping into tenancy himself was a different challenge altogether.Although experienced in hospitality operations, becoming a tenant meant taking full responsibility for financial performance, team leadership and long-term growth. It was a significant leap — one he admits he wished he had taken years earlier.
Navigating the recruitment process, understanding the financial framework and building a sustainable business plan required clarity and guidance. Without the right business support, the transition from manager to tenant could have been daunting.
The Solution
Lars credits the structured recruitment process and close support from his Business Development Manager, Dan, as instrumental in helping him take that step confidently. From their first conversations about available opportunities, Dan provided clear direction on what was required — outlining the financial expectations, the practical realities and the key do’s and don’ts.
That guidance continued beyond recruitment. Lars describes a balanced relationship, where support is available whenever needed, but autonomy is respected. His BDM understands when to step in with advice and when to allow Lars the freedom to lead.
Training has also played a key role. Ongoing contact from Greene King’s training team ensures both Lars and his staff have access to development opportunities — from cellar management and wine knowledge to sales training. This proactive approach to business support strengthens operational standards and helps drive local trade.
Crucially, the partnership model provides both independence and stability. While it is Lars’ own business, Greene King Pub Partners remains a committed partner, offering expertise, investment and long-term backing.
The Result
Today, Lars successfully runs two pubs — with ambitions to expand further. His businesses benefit from improved sales, engaged teams and satisfied customers. The opportunity to implement his own ideas and see the tangible financial rewards has been hugely motivating.
He sees his growth as directly linked to the strength of the partnership. For Lars, his success and Greene King Pub Partner’s success go hand in hand.
With a wide-ranging estate across England and Scotland — from community pubs and food-led venues to rural inns and town-centre sites — Greene King Pub Partners offers scalable opportunities for ambitious operators ready to grow.
If you’re ambitious and looking for a genuine partnership with expert business support and meaningful investment behind you, explore the opportunities available on our Pubs to Let page and start building your future with Greene King Pub Partners today.
View our available pubs to let
Full Transcript
Lars De Wijngaert was working as the Operations Manager for a company running three Greene King pubs when the opportunity arose for him to become a tenant himself. He believes the support he receives throughout the recruitment process was essential in enabling him to achieve his ambitions. And now, he is successfully running two pubs, with plans to do more in the future. All in partnership with Greene King.
Lars – “At the end of the day, my success is Greene King’s success. I had a meeting with my BDM, Dan, we spoke about opportunities to take on something I wanted to do – something I should have done many years ago. He guided me – it was so important that he was holding my hand, because it was all new to me. He was very clear on what I needed to do, the do’s and don’ts, the financial support and advice and what to do. He was always there.” “The rewarding thing is you can do the things you want to do to improve the business. And to see the reaction and the reward, happy teams, happy customers and you see it financially in the sales.”
“There hasn’t been a second of regret – it’s been absolutely great.”
“I think it’s a very good relationship. It’s great because you get still all the support although it’s your own business, but Greene King are there to go to if you need it. It’s really what impressed me with Greene King. They’re always there.”
“My BDM really senses where I need help, where I don’t need help. He feeds me the right information. The balance is spot on.”
“Sarah from Training has been amazing. She’s always in contact with me, asking “Lars, how are you doing? Do you need any cellar training for your team? Do you need any wine training, sales training; they are real partners and they want you to succeed. That’s the feeling I get every day. They want you to succeed and they’re there to support me.”
“I really want to grow with Greene King. I have the right partner, business partners, with me to do that.”
Chris Thorogood, Recruitment Manager for Greene King Pub Partners, said: “We’ve got numerous cases of people across our estate of people who started with one pub with us and who have moved to running two, three, four pubs. We offer pubs for lease, tenancy and franchise across England and Scotland. We have a real wide ranging estate; from town centre pubs, very rural village pubs, very wet-led estate community pubs and some very nice food pubs as well.” “We’re very proud of our estate at Greene King. Whatever type of pub you’re interested in running, we can match that pub to your skills.” Lars finished with: “I really feel that I have a future with Greene King. If I had been on my own, I wouldn’t have achieved it. The partnership I have with Greene King is the key to my success.”
Has this story inspired you? Call us on 01284 843200 or live chat with us now to discuss your future pub plans.