Run a pub
At the centre of every successful pub is a passionate operator.
That's why our approach is different.
We don't believe in forcing operators into rigid systems or generic operating models. Instead, we work collaboratively to match the right operator with the right pub, in the right location, with the right style of business.
Success comes from allowing talented people to play to their strengths.
Our self-employed Managed Operator Agreement is bespoke to both the operator and the pub itself — offering genuine flexibility, autonomy and partnership. It’s a model designed around people, not process. And in the premium pub sector especially, opportunities like this are incredibly rare.
Hear from our operators
Operator - Elephant & Castle
Operator - Black Lion
Operator Recruitment Process
We are all about finding the right people for the right pubs and making sure it is the right fit for you too. Hear from Luke, our Operations Director and let him talk you through what to expect when you apply to join Valiant.
Choose your type of venue.
Some operators thrive in high-volume wet-led venues. Others excel in food-led businesses.
Others create unforgettable guest experiences in premium pubs with rooms. Our portfolio of pubs across the UK are diverse and offer fantastic opportunities, whichever type of pub you’d like to run.
Here are the types of venue within our estate.
Wet-led pub
Value-led community pubs delivering everyday great experiences.
Pubs with food
Pubs focussed on quality, consistency, and broad appeal.
Pubs with hotel rooms
From high street to gastro venues offering elevated hospitality in standout settings.
Supporting Our Operators
At Valiant, partnership is at the heart of everything we do. In this short film, one of our Business Development Managers shares what it really means to support operators day-to-day — from helping shape strategy and drive growth, to overseeing refurbishments and being there during the busiest weekends. It’s a hands-on, collaborative approach built around trust, flexibility and shared success.
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Your Journey to Becoming a Valiant Pub Partner
You've found a pub you'd love to operate with Valiant – now it's time to tell us about yourself.
Complete our online application form, providing as much detail as possible about your experience, ambitions and why you'd like to partner with Valiant. This helps us understand whether we're the right fit for each other.
Once we've received your application, a member of our Recruitment Team will contact you for an initial conversation.
From there, we'll book in a meeting with the pubs designated Business Development Manager.
If your application is successful, you'll be introduced to the Business Development Manager responsible for the pub or area you're interested in.
During this call, they'll explain more about Valiant Pub Company, our partnership model and what it means to become a Valiant Pub Partner. They'll also take the opportunity to learn more about your goals, experience and vision for running the business.
Before your next meeting, you'll be asked to prepare and submit a business plan.
Your business plan should demonstrate how you intend to grow the business, attract customers, manage costs and create a successful, sustainable pub.
You'll meet with your Business Development Manager for a more in-depth discussion.
Together, you'll review your business plan, discuss your ideas for the site and explore how you would operate the business. We'll be looking to ensure your plans are realistic, commercially viable and aligned with the opportunity.
At this stage, we'll also complete our due diligence by requesting:
- Proof of identity
- Proof of funding
- Permission to contact your references
Once you've found the right pub, we'd like you to experience what it's really like to operate a Valiant business.
You'll spend around half a day with one of our existing Pub Partners, giving you the opportunity to:
- Experience the Valiant way of working
- See how our pubs operate day-to-day
- Learn about the systems and processes we use
- Ask honest questions about life as a Valiant operator
We believe there's no better way to prepare than learning from someone who's already successfully running a Valiant pub.
Before we can offer you the pub, we'll complete the final administrative checks.
This includes reviewing your funding, references and any remaining compliance requirements to ensure everything is in place before your agreement is issued.
Before signing your Partnership Agreement, you'll attend a Pre-Agreement Meeting with your Business Development Manager.
This meeting ensures you have a full understanding of:
- Your Partnership Agreement
- Your responsibilities as an operator
- Valiant's responsibilities and ongoing support
- The next steps leading up to your handover
We'll answer any final questions so you can move forward with complete confidence. Once you're happy to proceed, we'll prepare your agreement documentation for signing.
Congratulations—it's time to collect the keys to your new business.
Change Day is when you'll officially take over your pub and begin your journey as a Valiant Pub Partner.
It will be an exciting and busy day, but you won't be doing it alone. Your Business Development Manager will be there throughout the handover to support you, answer any questions and make sure everything is in place for a successful launch.
From day one, you'll have the backing of the entire Valiant team as you build a thriving pub business.
Why Partner with Valiant?
At Valiant, we believe great partnerships create great pubs. When you join us, you’re not just taking on a pub – you’re joining a team that’s invested in your success. From day one, we’ll provide the support, tools and opportunities you need to build a thriving business.
Industry-Leading Profit Share
Benefit from one of the most competitive profit share models in the industry, giving you the opportunity to maximise your earnings as your business grows.
Annual Operator Celebration
Join fellow Valiant operators each year to celebrate success, share best practice, recognise achievements and hear about exciting plans for the future.
Dedicated Business Development Manager
You’ll have a dedicated Business Development Manager by your side, offering ongoing coaching, commercial guidance and practical support to help your business thrive. With each BDM supporting an average of just 13 pubs, they can spend more time getting to know you, your pub and your local market. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach, so you’ll have the flexibility to shape your offer around what works best for your business, with the support and expertise to help you make it a success.
Well-Invested Pubs & Quality Accommodation
We continually invest in our pubs to ensure they’re places you can be proud to operate. Many of our opportunities also include well-maintained living accommodation where applicable.
British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Membership
Receive complimentary BII membership, giving you access to industry-leading training, resources, networking opportunities and professional development.
We Take Care of the Bills
If your pub includes living accommodation, your only household cost is Council Tax.
Performance-Based Financial Incentives
Earn additional rewards through bespoke business incentives set by the company and your Business Development Manager, recognising and rewarding outstanding performance.
Birthday Box
Because we value our partnerships, every operator receives a Birthday Box as a small thank you from the Valiant team.
Development Opportunities
Success with one pub can open the door to even bigger opportunities. As you develop with Valiant, you could progress to operating larger or more complex pubs, learn new commercial and leadership skills, and even support the launch of new Valiant sites by mentoring and assisting new operators. We love to promote from within and invest in ambitious people who want to grow with us.
You’re in Business for Yourself, Not by Yourself
From your first enquiry through to Change Day and beyond, you’ll have the backing of an experienced team that’s committed to helping you build a successful, profitable and sustainable pub business.