Have you ever met a pub team who truly redefines what a local can be? The Secret Pub Company does just that. Led by inspirational operators who think outside the box, they’re proof that when passion meets creativity, something remarkable happens – pubs become places where community, innovation, and genuine hospitality thrives.
At the helm are David Hage FBII and Mark Osborne, two hospitality professionals who perfectly balance brilliant business with a strong sense of local community. Since forming the Secret Pub Company in 2016, David and Mark have created a group of pubs that not only grow commercially but also play a vital role in their neighbourhoods.
David and Mark’s passion and professionalism were recognised back in 2019, when the team were crowned Licensee of the Year Award (LOYA) winners: one of the most prestigious honours in the industry. Impressively, they held the title right through to Winter 2021, showing resilience and innovation even as the hospitality sector faced some of its toughest times.
“We’re lucky that winning the LOYA opened up some incredible opportunities for us, including helping to promote and advocate for our industry,” says David. “It really cemented how far we’ve come as a business and as a team, and that’s something we’re immensely proud of.”
Since then, The Secret Pub Company has gone from strength to strength, collecting multiple accolades, including Best Pub in the East Midlands 2022. With five major awards in six years across their venues, their record of excellence speaks for itself.
Hop Aboard for a Cracking Good Time
One of The Secret Pub Company’s most innovative ideas has been the creation of a truly unique experience: the Secret Bar Crawl. This immersive day-long event invites guests to don their finest outfits and hop aboard a vintage double-decker bus for an exclusive tour of the company’s four much-loved pubs. The journey begins at The Radcliffe with a welcome drink and a delicious two-course lunch, before moving on to The Plough for another round of hospitality, music, and good company. Next stop: The Lambley, where guests are treated to canapés and a warm welcome from the team. Finally, the day rounds off with a hearty two-course dinner and live music at The Railway, with celebrations continuing late into the evening.
Priced at £110 per ticket for a full day of food, drink, and entertainment, it’s easy to see why the event has become a sell-out success. The third Secret Bar Crawl is this weekend on 15th November, with a few tickets remaining if you want to experience it for yourself!
Creating Experiences That Keep Guests Coming Back
As a proud supporter of the BII’s #OurPub campaign and BII Ambassadors, David and Mark continue to champion the industry and the people within it. David regularly speaks about the challenges facing hospitality through social media – from energy costs to staffing pressures -and leads by example in adapting to change.
“We’ve just completed our quarterly accounts, and each pub has seen an increase of around £70,000 following the Autumn Budget changes,” explains David. “We’re always looking for new, creative ways to evolve and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests.”
Beyond headline events, The Secret Pub Company continues to focus on what matters most: it’s community, quality, and connection. Weekly favourites like Steak Night, Quiz Night, and the traditional Sunday Roast have become local staples. Seasonal experiences, such as Breakfast with Santa at The Plough (just £20 per child, including breakfast and a gift), stage the company’s dedication to bringing people together across generations.
Supporting the Industry Means Supporting the Community
For David and Mark, the core strength of The Secret Pub Company lies in its people. They are committed to developing talent, recognising achievement, and providing clear pathways for career progression. Many managers and chefs have been part of the team for over ten years, reflecting the supportive and inclusive culture they have established. This focus on employee engagement, combined with the company’s continued operational excellence, is what drives success across each pub in the portfolio.
Not only does The Secret Pub Company have a great team, but their approach caters to every demographic, from families to foodies, and always with a focus on genuine hospitality. Guests consistently praise the team’s warmth, creativity, and outstanding menus – with the cod alone gaining quite the reputation among regulars!
The Secret Pub Company really does embody everything that makes the British pub industry so special. So, whether you’re thinking about adding a roast addition to your menu, featuring a specialist ale, or joining the next Secret Bar Crawl yourself for inspiration, one thing’s certain – David, Mark and their team know exactly how to make every guest feel part of something truly exceptional.
