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For the latest edition of Taproom Talks, we caught up with Amanda Buchanan of The Border Terrier, a pub that has carved out a special place at the heart of its community. Known for its warm, front-room feel and a calendar packed with quiz nights, poker evenings, and local fundraisers, The Border Terrier is more than just somewhere to eat and drink—it’s a true meeting point where friendships are made and neighbours come together.

Under the leadership of Amanda and co-licensee Janice Blacklock, the pub has championed local initiatives, from sponsoring grassroots sport to introducing a mini food pantry, while also building a reputation for quality food, drink, and hospitality. Recognised as a finalist in the Licensee of the Year Awards, The Border Terrier stands as a proud example of how pubs can thrive by staying rooted in their communities and adapting to the needs of modern guests.

Could you start by telling us a little about The Border Terrier and its story so far?

At The Border Terrier, we are proud to be more than just a pub; we are the heart of our community. Since opening our doors, our aim has been to create a welcoming environment where people immediately feel at home. Stepping inside feels like entering a familiar front room—warm, inviting, and filled with conversation, laughter, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Our journey so far has been shaped by a commitment to offering quality food, drink, and hospitality. Alongside a carefully selected range of beers, wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options, our menu features traditional favourites and seasonal specials, all prepared with care. However, our story extends well beyond what we serve.

The Border Terrier has become a hub for connection. Regular events such as quiz nights, poker evenings, and team games bring people together, while our support for local initiatives—from sponsoring a girls’ football team to providing a meeting place for community groups—reflects our dedication to giving back. We are proud to support local charities, societies, and clubs, and to provide a space where friendships flourish and communities strengthen.

Our customers reflect the diversity of the area, from young professionals to families and long-standing residents, as well as visitors from further afield who come to us through recommendation. Many return not only for the food and drink, but because they feel part of the atmosphere and spirit we have worked hard to nurture.

Ultimately, success for us is not measured in numbers, but in the loyalty of our regulars, the laughter we hear shared around our tables, and the role we play in people’s special moments. The Border Terrier is not simply a place to eat or drink—it is a home away from home, where everyone is welcome, and where community lies at the very heart of everything we do.

What did it mean for you and your team to be recognised in the industry?

Being recognised in the Licensee of the Year Awards has been such a proud moment for us, our team, our families, and our community. 

It’s not just about being a finalist — it’s about what it represents. The long hours, the sacrifices, the laughter, the challenges, and the love we pour into what we do. To have that seen and celebrated by the industry means the world.

We stood proud as the only women and the only pub from the North in the finals — and that in itself is a win we share with everyone who has supported us. 

The trophy might not have our name on it this year, but what we do have is priceless: recognition, pride, and the reminder that when a community stands together, it can achieve incredible things. None of this would have been possible without our amazing families, friends, regulars, and the wider community who lift us up every single day.

What do you see as the key factors that have driven The Border Terrier’s success in recent years?

The success of The Border Terrier has been built on a combination of passion, resilience, and our unwavering commitment to both our customers and our community. Despite the challenges faced by the hospitality industry in recent years, we have grown stronger by focusing on what truly matters—people, quality, and adaptability.

1. Community at the Core

The Border Terrier has become the heart of the local area, not just a pub but a meeting place where people feel at home. From sponsoring local sports teams to hosting charity events and providing a warm space for vulnerable residents, our dedication to the community has fostered loyalty, trust, and long-lasting relationships.

2. A Home Away from Home

Our biggest strength lies in the atmosphere we’ve created—stepping into The Border Terrier feels like walking into a friend’s living room. The warmth of our welcome, the familiarity of our staff, and the comfort of our surroundings keep guests coming back time and time again.

3. A Strong, Motivated Team

We believe that happy staff make for happy customers. By investing in training, professional development, and staff wellbeing, we’ve built a team that is passionate, motivated, and proud to be part of our journey. Their genuine care and friendly service are a driving force behind our reputation for excellence.

4. Adaptability & Innovation

In challenging times, we adapted quickly—diversifying our offer with takeaway services, upgrading our outdoor spaces, and expanding our events calendar to attract new audiences. We’ve also embraced sustainability by reducing waste, sourcing local produce, and implementing energy-efficient measures, ensuring we remain relevant and responsible for the future.

5. Consistency in Quality

Our commitment to serving high-quality, locally sourced food and drink has set us apart. Customers know they can always rely on us for great meals, excellent pints, and outstanding hospitality. This consistency has been key to building trust and repeat business.

6. Creating Memorable Experiences

From live music nights to family events and festive celebrations, we’ve worked hard to create moments that bring people together. These experiences not only add vibrancy to our pub but also cement The Border Terrier as a place where memories are made.

How do you balance being a welcoming local with keeping up with customer expectations today?

At The Border Terrier, we blend the warmth of a true local pub with what today’s customers expect. Guests are welcomed like friends, while our menu, events, and services—locally sourced food, flexible options, and memorable nights—keep us fresh and relevant. By listening to feedback and embracing sustainable practices, we stay a community hub that meets modern needs without losing our friendly, home-from-home feel.

Staff recruitment and retention is a challenge across the sector. How have you approached this issue?

Recruitment and retention are key challenges in hospitality, but at The Border Terrier, we tackle this by creating a supportive, motivating, and welcoming work environment. We hire for attitude first, attracting friendly, passionate individuals through local networks, social media, and word-of-mouth.

Our team benefits from comprehensive training, cross-training opportunities, and clear pathways for progression, helping staff grow within the business. We prioritise wellbeing with flexible scheduling, recognition programs, competitive pay, and an inclusive culture. Regular feedback, team-building activities, and social events ensure everyone feels valued and part of the pub family.

By investing in our people, we maintain a team that delivers warm, attentive service and embodies the community-focused, “friend’s living room” atmosphere The Border Terrier is known for. This approach has allowed us to attract and retain the best talent while continuing to provide an outstanding experience for our guests.

Community engagement is often highlighted in industry awards. How do you connect with your local community?

At The Border Terrier, we don’t just run a pub—we nurture a community. Our doors are always open, offering a warm, welcoming space where neighbours, friends, and families can connect. We check in on locals who may be lonely or vulnerable, ensuring everyone feels supported.

We actively champion local groups, sponsor sports teams, and host charity fundraisers. Our newly introduced mini food pantry helps those in need, while events like the Border Terrier Olympics bring people together for fun and connection. We also celebrate our regulars’ big life milestones—70th wedding anniversaries, 90th birthdays, and other special occasions—making them feel valued and part of our extended pub family.

The Border Terrier has become more than a pub—it’s a hub of connection, support, and friendship. Every visit strengthens the bonds that make our neighbourhood thrive, proving that a pub can truly be the heart of its community.

Energy costs, staffing and supply chain issues continue to put pressure on operators. How have you managed these challenges?

At The Border Terrier, we have addressed energy, staffing, and supply chain pressures through careful planning, efficiency, and adaptability. Energy-saving measures, including motion-sensored lighting, smart kitchen practices, and reduced appliance usage during quieter periods, help lower costs.

For staffing, we hire for attitude, provide comprehensive training, cross-training, flexible schedules, and a supportive culture to retain a motivated team. To manage supply chain pressures, we prioritise local suppliers for fresh, seasonal ingredients, ensuring consistent quality while supporting small businesses and reducing transportation impact.

These combined measures allow us to continue delivering a high-quality, welcoming, and sustainable experience for our guests, even during challenging times.

How do you approach serving food and shaping your drinks offer?

Our approach to serving food and shaping our drinks offer is all about community, comfort, and quality. We see ourselves as more than just a pub—we're a hub for locals to gather, relax, and enjoy good company over great food and drink.

When it comes to food, we focus on hearty, home-style dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. We aim to offer something for everyone—from classic pub favourites like pies and fish & chips to seasonal specials and vegetarian options. We also listen closely to our regulars and adapt the menu based on their feedback and preferences.

Our drinks offer is shaped with the same care. We proudly serve well-loved lagers, ciders, and a thoughtful wine list. We also offer non-alcoholic options and barista-style coffees to make sure everyone feels welcome, whether they’re popping in for a pint or a quiet cuppa.

Ultimately, everything we serve is chosen with our community in mind. 

What do you love about working in the pub industry and what opportunities do you see in the future of the sector?

Working in the pub industry is incredibly rewarding because it’s all about people. Pubs are more than just places to eat and drink—they’re community hubs where friendships are formed, stories are shared, and memories are made. We love the fast-paced environment, the variety of people we meet every day, and the sense of camaraderie among staff and regulars. There’s a real satisfaction in creating a welcoming atmosphere and seeing guests leave happier than when they arrived.

The creativity involved is also a big draw—whether it’s curating menus, organizing events, or finding new ways to engage the local community. Every day brings something different, and that keeps the job exciting.

The future of hospitality is full of opportunity. From sustainable sourcing and tech-driven service to wellness-focused menus and community-led events, the sector is evolving to meet modern lifestyles. Venues that embrace innovation while staying true to their local roots—like The Border Terrier —will thrive by offering authentic, flexible, and memorable experiences.

Finally, what is next for The Border Terrier and what projects or plans are you excited about?

At The Border Terrier, we’re always looking ahead to enhance our guest experience, strengthen our community connections, and future-proof our business.

• Venue Upgrades: We’re hoping to plan a refresh of our interior décor in late 2025/early 2026 to modernize key areas while maintaining the warm, friendly feel. 
• Events & Experiences: We’ll continue to expand our events calendar, including seasonal celebrations, themed evenings, family entertainment, and signature occasions like the Border Terrier Olympics. These experiences foster community engagement and encourage repeat visits.
• Sustainability Initiatives: We remain committed to environmentally responsible practices, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sourcing locally wherever possible.
• Community Projects: Supporting our local community continues to be a priority. We will build on initiatives such as our mini food pantry, charity fundraisers, and celebrations for regulars’ milestones, ensuring The Border Terrier remains a hub of connection and support.

Looking forward, we’re excited to combine innovation with tradition, enhancing our offerings while staying true to the friendly, inclusive atmosphere our guests love. These projects will strengthen The Border Terrier as a welcoming, vibrant space that continues to thrive as the heart of our community for years to come.

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