A couple from Abergele have celebrated their 10 year anniversary at the Yacht pub in Pensarn.
Since their story began in 2014, Graham and Ursula Cowie have been on a whirlwind journey including multiple pub investments, the COVID lockdown and the mammoth challenge of transforming the pub’s former reputation.
But, with hard work, determination and a fire for all things community in their bellies, the duo have reestablished the Yacht making it the go-to place in the county.
Ursula said: “The Yacht is our home and it’s where we feel safe. We’ve had the most incredible support over the last 10 years and made friends to last a lifetime. I’ve never walked into somewhere and instantly felt like I belong there, this place is special.”
Graham continued: “The sense of community we get here is unmatched. I’ve been in this industry all my life, and nothing else compares to the warmth you get when you walk into this pub – and that’s down to the customers. Of all the pubs I’ve ran before, this one really feels like home.”
Unconventionally, Graham signed his contract for the Yacht completely blind, and it wasn’t until he’d crossed the I’s and dotted the T’s that he first stepped foot into the pub.
He explained: “A friend of mine ran the pub but wanted out and asked if I’d be interested. He told me I had two hours to make the decision and before you know it the deal was done, and the pub was ours.
“It had a damaged reputation, and it needed a complete transformation and refresh. So Ursula and I got stuck in, invested our savings and put in hours of labour to help turn it around. I remember one staff member said, ‘you won’t be here long, you won’t make a penny’, they’re still a customer of ours to this day – and sometimes we can’t believe what we’ve achieved ourselves.”
Graham and Ursula run their pub with the community at the forefront of everything they do. From turning around its dying reputation to making it the place to be for a traditional Sunday roast, the couple have always strived to give back to their guests and create the most meaningful experiences and moments.
And their efforts to embed the pub at the heart of the community has paid off, demonstrated by their loyal following, rave reviews and even, their celebrity backing.
When asked what the secret was to run a successful pub business, they both replied ‘commitment’, detailing that no matter what obstacles have come their way, they’ve gotten through it knowing that the end result will be more than worth it.
To celebrate their huge achievement, Graham and Ursula held a celebratory party surrounded by their family, friends and regulars treating their guests to a free juke box, pool and a hearty chicken curry!