Pub to Campsite Success Story
Discover how "The Fox & Hounds" transformed from a struggling pub into a thriving hospitality hub by embracing diversification.
📌 Note: Rose and Jim are composite characters inspired by real conversations with pub landlords exploring diversification. "The Fox & Hounds" is a demonstration scenario we created to show how PayCamp works for mixed-use sites like pub campsites. You can explore the full demo to see the system in action.
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# From Struggling Pub to Thriving Campsite: How Rose & Jim Saved The Fox & Hounds
Seven years ago, Rose and Jim took on what seemed like an impossible challenge: saving The Fox & Hounds, a dilapidated rural pub in Gloucestershire that had been through four landlords in just five years and was at risk of being bulldozed to make way for housing.
The Dream vs Reality
Key Takeaways
Initial Struggle
Despite great food and drinks, the rural pub faced severe financial challenges due to low footfall.
Serendipitous Spark
An unexpected overnight camper gave Rose and Jim the idea to diversify their business.
Diversification Success
From van stops to glamping and lodges, they successfully monetised their existing space.
Community Impact
Their efforts revitalised the local area and supported other local businesses.
Like many first-time landlords, they had rose-coloured glasses. The pub had potential - a car park that could easily hold 50 cars, an acre and a half of garden to the rear (albeit completely overgrown), and a charming village location.
They threw themselves into the project. Rose created an amazing menu featuring the best breakfast, lunch, and Yorkshire pudding for miles. Jim sourced outstanding real ales from local breweries. The food was exceptional.
But there was one problem they hadn't anticipated.
The Harsh Reality of Rural Pubs
> "We realised quite quickly that with drink-drive laws, apart from the occasional tourist on a Sunday and a handful of regulars from the village of 8 houses a mile away, the income just wasn't there."
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> — Rose, Co-owner of The Fox & Hounds
Pro Tip:
Many rural businesses face similar challenges with changing consumer habits and demographics. Diversifying your offerings can open up entirely new revenue streams.
They tried everything. Events, quiz nights, special menus. After 8 grueling months, they were ready to give up. The dream was dying.
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The Night Everything Changed
It was a cold night at the end of September. A van pulled into the car park, and a couple - Julie and Thomas - came in for a drink and some food.
As the evening wore on and the real ales flowed, Thomas asked a simple question:
"Would it be okay if we parked up for the night? We love this area and want to explore in the morning. The real ales and a bed in the camper would make a perfect pit stop."
Being the lovely hosts they are (and with only a couple of regulars in the bar), Rose and Jim said yes. When asked about the cost, they had no idea what to charge.
Julie helpfully suggested: "We normally pay around £10 per night for a nice, safe location."
An idea was born.
The Numbers That Changed Everything
That night, the couple had made:
- £34 in extra food sales
- £46 in drink sales
- And the next morning, another £22 for coffee and breakfast
Total from one overnight stay: £112
But it didn't stop there. Julie posted about their stay on Twitter and Facebook: #vanlife #secretgem
Two nights later, another couple arrived with friends in a second van - German tourers who had abandoned a campsite they'd booked because there was no food available. They stayed two nights.
"Is This Even Legal?"
Rose and Jim were worried. They called the local council, who confirmed they had no issues as long as guests didn't stay more than a few days.
A week later, a neighbour complained. They went back to the council and received formal approval for up to 28 nights camping.
Boom. They were in business.
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The Growth Story
The Fox & Hounds' Transformation
Year 1: Van Life Boom
Word-of-mouth led to 5-6 vans most nights, establishing a new revenue stream.
Year 2: Steady Income
Regular customers, including contractors, provided a consistent income flow.
Year 3: Glamping Investment
Profits were reinvested to develop glamping spots in the overgrown garden.
Year 5: Lodge Expansion
A new pond and 5 static lodges were added, further expanding accommodation options.
Year 7: Full Ecosystem
A thriving community with vans, glamping, lodges, and a pop-up shop.
Explore Our Glamping Demo
See how glamping sites manage premium accommodations, bookings, and guest experiences.
More Than Just Camping
The transformation hasn't just saved The Fox & Hounds - it's revitalised the local hamlet.
The neighbours who once complained now pop up every day to say hello. Rose and Jim have had to set up a little honesty pop-up shop for their guests, mostly stocked with goods from local suppliers. A local farmer delivers fresh milk daily.
> "Between the income from the 5-6 vans we still get regularly, the campsite in summer, and the Airbnb-style lodges, we now have so many people on site it's brought a real vibe to the local area."
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> — Jim, Co-owner of The Fox & Hounds
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Managing the Complexity
Of course, running multiple revenue streams brings its own challenges. Rose and Jim now manage:
- Overnight van stops (variable stays, different rates)
- Seasonal glamping pitches (with electric hookups)
- 5 static lodges (year-round Airbnb-style bookings)
- The pop-up shop inventory
- The pub itself
That's where PayCamp comes in. With our Micro plan, designed specifically for sites with up to 10 assets, pubs and small operators like Rose and Jim can:
Track all bookings in one place
Send professional invoices
Manage customer details and preferences
Keep on top of payments
Give customers a portal to manage their own bookings
Click the highlighted cell above to create a booking
Could Your Pub Do This?
If you're a pub landlord struggling with footfall, or you know someone who is, consider this:
Did You Know?
Many planning authorities are supportive of diversification efforts that support rural economies and preserve local businesses, making it easier to gain approval for changes like campsite additions.
- Do you have a car park? Even 5-10 spaces could work
- Can you serve food? Van lifers love a good meal
- Is there outdoor space? Gardens can become glamping gold
The initial investment is minimal - you're essentially monetising space you already have. And the compound effect is remarkable: campers buy drinks, eat meals, shop at your pop-up, and tell their friends.
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Try It With Our Demo
Want to see how PayCamp handles a mixed-use site like The Fox & Hounds? Try our live demo featuring The Fox & Hounds scenario.
Or if you're ready to start, our Micro plan at just £19/month is perfect for sites with up to 10 pitches, plots, or moorings.
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Rose & Jim's story proves that smart diversification can turn challenges into opportunities. Take the first step today!
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This is an example scenario based on our demo data, showing how PayCamp can support pub landlords diversifying into camping and accommodation.
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Explore Our Glamping Demo
See how glamping sites manage premium accommodations, bookings, and guest experiences.