Operator-Led
Putting brilliant pubs at the heart of the community
Welcome to Craft Union, our operator-led model
Thinking of running your own pub? That’s why you’re here, right? Well, you’ve landed exactly where you need to be.
Craft Union offers epic self-employment opportunities across England and Wales for pub enthusiasts like you, and since 2015, we’ve supported over 575 pub heroes in crafting their dream pub businesses! Whether you’re a pub manager, general manager, bar manager or anything in between, you can take on your perfect business with the security of Craft Union behind you.
With us, you can be your own boss, building your own thriving community and having a blast while you do it. But of course, you’re not completely on your own – as part of Stonegate Group, we provide you with all the training and guidance you need to succeed. It’s your vision, your pub, your business; we’re just there to cheer you on and keep you golden!
What recruitment process will I undergo to take on a pub with Craft Union?
1. Firstly, submit your pub-specific application online once you've found your dream pub
2. You'll then be invited to the next stage. This will consist of a short psychometrics test which will help us understand your strengths and how you might fit into our supportive and passionate team. The best part? You'll receive instant feedback upon completion!
3. You’ll then have a phone interview with one of our specialist recruitment team. During this, we’ll take a look at your skills and match you to the best opportunity for you
4. It’ll then be time to have a first-stage interview with the regional manager
5. You’ll follow this by producing a pub business proposal detailing all the ways you’d make your pub business a roaring success
6. Next, it’s time for another meeting with the regional manager to talk through your pub business proposal
7. You’ll then have your final interview with an operations manager
8. Finally, you’ll be able to sign your MSA agreement and start pouring pints!
Have a few more questions? Flick through a copy of our FAQs here.
Why Choose Craft Union?
No start-up costs
We don’t ask you to invest your own money into your pub – you simply pay a £2,000 bond. Gas, electricity and water for the entire building (including accommodation) is all paid for by us, and the likes of Sky & TNT Sports, business rates and security & entertainment packages are also available to be added on.
Pub life with perks
Our sites come with rent-free accommodation above the pub. But, on the rare occasion where living on-site isn't available, we offer increased accommodation support payments to give you a helping hand – these will be discussed with you at interview stage.
Uncapped earning potential
You'll receive a 20% operator fee on all wet products (drinks) and bar snacks sold at your pub – so the more you sell, the more you earn
Supercharge your income
Take home an additional 10% of sales above budget when you manage a high-volume pub! This bonus recognises the extra effort required to run a thriving business.
Standing together
You’ll get unwavering support from day one, whether that’s from marketing clubs helping to give your pub a boost or bespoke guidance from your dedicated regional manager.
But wait, there's more!
When you make it as a Craft Union star, you can increase your income by becoming a centre of excellence – join a growing family, receive a free BII membership and get your chance to be recognised at our all-expenses-paid yearly Operator Awards!