A British pub manager’s love for cooking sparked a side hustle that became the foundation for his very own pub.
Challenge
For years, Tom B. managed a cozy neighborhood pub in Peterborough, England — a city where traditional pubs still serve as community hubs. Tom enjoyed the atmosphere and camaraderie of the job, but he often wondered if he could create something of his own. Outside of work, he loved experimenting with food, especially hearty comfort dishes that went well with a pint.
At first, he used his skills to help his employer — cooking up Sunday stews, curries, and sandwiches for pub customers. But one afternoon, while mowing his lawn, a thought hit him: he was putting in extra effort to make the pub money, yet seeing none of the reward himself. With a young family to support, Tom decided it was time to cook up something for his future, not just his boss’s.
Action
Tom brainstormed what kind of food would be simple to prepare, easy to store, and still appeal to pub-goers. After watching a TV chef bake — rather than deep-fry — a scotch egg, he decided to give it a try. He didn’t own a fryer, but he had an oven and creativity to spare.
With his boss’s blessing, Tom began selling his baked scotch eggs at the bar for £3 each. Customers loved the novelty, and he quickly built a following on social media by posting daily flavor updates. When his enthusiasm for scotch eggs waned, he shifted to something even better — traditional pork pies. They took less time to make, stayed fresh longer, and were a natural fit for pub patrons looking for a savory snack with their ale.
Tom spent one morning each week baking large batches while his kids were at school. The pies sold out regularly, and soon he added homemade spiced peanuts and other bar snacks to the menu.
Result
Within a year, Tom’s small project was bringing in about £4,500 (roughly $5,500 USD) in extra income. More importantly, it gave him confidence in his ability to create something successful from scratch. He used the extra money for meaningful family purchases — vacations, Christmas gifts, and home improvements — while keeping his salary for regular bills.
Encouraged by the steady profits and loyal customers, Tom took the next big step: he opened his own micro pub called The Bumble Inn. These small, independent pubs are part of a growing UK trend, allowing owners to run a cozy, community-focused business with minimal overhead. Tom still sells his famous pork pies there, now as both the chef and the owner.
Lesson
Tom’s journey proves that small ideas can lead to big change. What began as a simple snack experiment became a profitable side hustle — and eventually, the cornerstone of his own business. By starting small, learning as he went, and following his passion for good food, he created a path toward independence and fulfillment.
Takeaway: Sometimes your best business idea isn’t a brand-new concept — it’s something you’re already doing well, waiting to be turned into your own success story.
Inspired by a true story originally featured on Side Hustle School by Chris Guillebeau. This rewritten version is independently produced and fully original.