From a rat-infested pub basement to creating some of the UK’s most iconic pub brands, David Bruce OBE has lived one of the most unconventional entrepreneurial journeys in brewing. Founder of Bruce’s Brewery and the legendary Firkin pubs, David went on to build or invest in breweries and pub companies across the UK and internationally, eventually scaling to a stock exchange listed group before turning his energy toward meaningful philanthropy.
In this lively, laughter filled conversation, David shares how serendipity, instinct, and a mischievous streak shaped every chapter of his business life – along with the courage and resilience that kept him moving through the inevitable chaos of entrepreneurship.
Listen to hear David Bruce OBE talk about:
- How he built the Firkin pubs by mixing instinct with irreverence, and why unusual choices – from church pew seating to cheeky branding – helped him stand out without big budgets.
- The moment that sparked his lifelong entrepreneurial drive, including how being denied shares as an employee pushed him to take control of his own destiny.
- Why “professional amateurism” can be a strength, not a weakness – how embracing imperfection helped him stay flexible, opportunistic and innovative.
- What small business owners should know about risk, resilience and raising investment – his candid take on partnerships, pitching, and backing yourself even when experts say no.
- Navigating timing, luck and economic turbulence – what he learned from successes, failures and the impact of major external events like the dot com crash.
- How saying yes, staying curious and keeping a sense of humour shaped his career, and why he believes entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding ways to live a life.
