Britain’s youngest landlord, 18, stop uni as a result of he ‘dreamed’ of pulling pints
An audacious young university student decided to call time on academic pursuit and become one of the youngest publicans in Britain.
Scarcely old enough to have a pint himself, 18-year-old Hugo Willett abandoned his politics studies at the University of Kent to seize the pumps at The Bowl Inn, an enduring 18th-century watering hole located in Hastingleigh, near Ashford.
Undeterred by his limited experience and the significant responsibility of managing the establishment with a centuries-long history dating back to the 1740s, he embraced this venture believing pub management is not just an older person’s playfield. Hailing from the area, Willett benefitted from already knowing all the regulars at the tavern.
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“Although I have a strong interest in politics – hence doing that at uni – I had to jump at the opportunity to have my dream career running such a beautiful, traditional pub,” he said.
![The Bowl is situated in Kent](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33227116.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_PIC3.jpg)
(Image: THE BOWL INN/ WESSEX NEWS AGENCY)
“Ultimately, it’s what I have always wanted to do so it was the right decision to leave uni in favour of running The Bowl.”
He took over from long-time operator, Annie Blown, who had been at the pub’s helm for two decades. The free house predates most modern buildings, remaining unchanged for 300 years, drawing praise from devotees like the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) for its quality brew.
Willett admits facing initial jitters as he braced himself on navigating the throng of dedicated regular patrons frequenting the pub, but he optimistically views it as part of his daring journey into the world of bartending.
“I knew all the locals already because I’ve grown up in the local area,” he shared.
![Hugo is just 18 years old](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33227071.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_18-year-old-politics-student-quits-studies-to-become-pub-landlord.jpg)
(Image: KMG / SWNS)
“But it was a bit daunting having the locals coming back in after we reopened, having closed for a few days during the handover. I was worried that they wouldn’t like the new changes – not that much has changed – but I still had a little bit of doubt about that.”
“But so far it’s been incredible. We’re overwhelmed with the amount of support we’ve had from locals and new faces as well. I think the locals are just pleased to have a local pub at all really.”
The takeover follows the closure of swathes of restaurants and pubs throughout Kent and the UK as bills soar and drinking habits change.
![He's receiving some support while he learns the ropes](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33227114.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_PIC1.jpg)
(Image: THE BOWL INN/ WESSEX NEWS AGENCY)
But The Bowl appears to have stood firm in the storm by sticking to its roots and maintaining and growing its repeat customer base. Young landlord Mr Willett hopes to maintain the tavern’s reputation for good beer and work to support local breweries and suppliers.
“Local produce is really important to us – especially local beer and real ale,” he continued.
“It has been in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the last 18 years so it’s a bit of a responsibility to keep up. We want to keep going with that record and support local breweries.”
![The Bowl Inn is a free house](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33227130.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_18-year-old-politics-student-quits-studies-to-become-pub-landlord.jpg)
(Image: KMG / SWNS)
Two changes Mr Willett has implemented already are offering more food at the weekends as well as a more extensive wine list. The local boozer is set to amp up the live tunes, while keeping village favourites like the monthly brain-teaser and the yearly ale festival on the calendar.
Landlord Mr Willett added: “We’ve started doing more food at the weekend, which there hasn’t been properly for a few years. Bringing in food for walkers and they’re able to walk up and bring their dog and have a sandwich, that kind of thing.”
But this young pub boss knows the real secret sauce is keeping things familiar. “The building has pretty much been largely unchanged for the past 300 or so years,” he said.
![Hugo had a clear vision of what he wanted to do for a career](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33227129.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_18-year-old-politics-student-quits-studies-to-become-pub-landlord.jpg)
(Image: KMG / SWNS)
“So I think a key aspect of running this place is maintaining that history and not bringing in masses and masses of change – keeping it how it is because that works for the local village. The locals all absolutely love The Bowl. It’s about maintaining that history, but also breathing some fresh life in.”
While he’s aced the tests for his own licence, he’s still twiddling his thumbs waiting for the council to give him the nod. So for now, the pub’s running under his old man and seasoned publican Harry’s licence, who’s keeping an eagle eye out as his lad learns the ropes but the grand plan is for Hugo to be the main man behind the bar.
![Hugo has been bowled over by the support he's received from the community](https://i2-prod.dailystar.co.uk/incoming/article33227141.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_PIC2.jpg)
(Image: THE BOWL INN/ WESSEX NEWS AGENCY)
And it’s not Hugo’s first rodeo, he’s already got some experience slinging pints, having worked both sides of the bar in a couple of nearby haunts. “It’s daunting from the aspect of there’s a lot to do, and obviously it’s a big change for me coming from just working in them as opposed to actually being in charge,” he admitted.
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