Henry Day — founder of Henley Pub Co

HENRY Day is the founder and owner of Henley Pub Co, which recently opened The Duke pub and restaurant in Duke Street, Henley. Henry and his wife Lizzie grew up in Henley, have two small children and now live in Benson. He is passionate about rugby.

Describe your business

Henley Pub Co is a small, independent group of pubs. Each site has its own character but they share a common thread — warm hospitality, great food and drink and a genuine commitment to the people we serve. Being part of the community isn’t just something we say, it’s how we operate, from the suppliers we use to the events we support and the people we employ.

How many people does it employ?

We employ about 50 people across all our sites. That number tends to fluctuate slightly depending on the season and events we’re running.

What did you do before you started this business?

I worked in our fourth-generation family business, Firco Group, where I still remain involved. I manage operations across the group, which includes overseeing commercial strategy and driving the growth of the business. Prior to joining the family business full-time, I ran a commercial property team for a London-based firm specialising in alternative and marine-based assets.

When did you start your business?

Henley Pub Co launched in 2022, although the groundwork began a year or two before that. We opened The Royal and The Coachmakers Arms, both in Wallingford, followed by The Duke in January this year and are just about to open Home Sweet Home in Roke this month.

What was your objective?

I wanted to bring together great pubs that had strong individual identities but shared the same commitment to quality, in food, drink and atmosphere.

Who or what influenced you?

Growing up around great hospitality definitely influenced me. I’ve also been lucky to work for and with some amazing people over the years that gave me the confidence to build something of my own.

Do you have a role model?

My dad. He’s the third generation of the Firco Group and has been a constant source of guidance and perspective. I’ve learned a huge amount from him, not just about business, but about how to lead with integrity, build lasting relationships and stay grounded no matter how busy things get.

How is your business doing?

It’s a really exciting time for Henley Pub Co, we’ve grown in terms of revenue and reputation. There’s been a real sense of momentum and the community has really embraced what we’re doing and that we are a local, independent business.

Do you compare on a regular basis?

We track performance weekly and monthly but I really value the annual reflection too. It’s where you see the bigger picture, which is easy to miss in the day-to-day.

How do you market your business?

We focus on storytelling, real food, real people, real pubs and building connections. Social media, newsletters and local partnerships are key.

What’s the best thing about running your business?

The freedom to shape something from the ground up and watching it grow and evolve.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

You carry the weight of it, every decision, every challenge. It can be all-consuming, but that’s part of the deal.

Where is your business headed?

I’d like it to grow in a considered way, one pub at a time, always with a focus on quality. We’re not about rapid expansion, we’re about getting it right.

How important are online sales?

Online bookings and marketing are crucial, they’re how many people first discover us.

Do you have a five-year plan?

Yes, but it’s flexible. I’ve learned that in this industry, you need to have a direction but stay adaptable.

Do you have a work-life balance?

It’s not always easy, running multiple businesses and hospitality hours are long, but I try to protect time for family and get outdoors when I can.

Do you set any goals at the start of a new financial year?

Absolutely. We set commercial targets and more creative or operational goals, things like menu development, team training or community initiatives.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Trust your instincts but back them up with data and never underestimate the importance of a great team.

What advice would you offer to anybody starting a business?

Don’t wait for perfection, just start. You’ll never have all the answers up front but action brings clarity.

How organised are you?

I’m organised enough to stay ahead but flexible enough to roll with the punches. I also have a very organised assistant.

What’s the secret of your success?

Consistency, good people and a real love for what we do. You can’t fake that.

What three qualities are most important to running a profitable business?

Resilience, attention to detail and the ability to listen, both to your team, your customers and your gut.

How do you dress for work?

Always in a Henley Pub Co gilet, it has become a bit of a uniform.

What can’t you be without every day?

My assistant — the teams that work with me — and happy customers.

Lunch at your desk or going out?

Our office is just around the corner from The Duke, so I’ll quite often pop in there.

Do you continue to study?

Not really but I do learn new things every day.

What do you read?

The Henley Standard.

What change would you most like to see in 2025?

More support for small businesses and the hospitality sector. We’re the heart of the high street and we need to be protected.

l Interview by Will Hamilton, intermediary and global marketing consultant, Hamilton Associates.