Trials & Triumphs part 1

"Something to Someone, Not Everything to Everyone": 

An Inside Look at the Kenmuir Arms and the Realities of Rural HospitalityNestled in the tranquil village of New Luce in Dumfries and Galloway, the Kenmuir Arms is more than just a rural gastro pub—it’s a testament to the trials and triumphs of small, independent hospitality businesses. In a candid interview, Chef Director Christopher Dougan shared his insights into the challenges of running a rural venue, the philosophy behind their success, and the importance of community in keeping rural traditions alive.

The Vision Behind Kenmuir Arms

"When we started, we knew exactly what we wanted to offer," Dougan begins. "It was about providing a quality product with clear provenance and personal touches at every stage." This vision has been the cornerstone of the Kenmuir Arms' success, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The pub's commitment to excellence has earned it a loyal following, with an impressive 90% of tourists returning—many on multiple occasions within just a few years of opening.

However, as Dougan explains, catering to the local community presents a unique set of challenges. "Tourists recognise the quality of what we offer immediately, but locals can be a different story. They come in, enjoy what we do, and then the requests start to roll in."

Balancing Local Expectations with Business Realities

Dougan recounts a familiar scenario: "Take Mr and Mrs Smith, for example. They love what we offer and come regularly. But then Mrs Smith mentions, ‘Oh, Mr Smith loves a good Carbonara. I bet yours is excellent.’ So, we make them a Carbonara, and they love it. Before you know it, it’s a regular request, and it’s added to an already packed menu."

While accommodating such requests can build goodwill, it also stretches resources and budgets. "The problem is that these dishes, while initially appreciated, begin to get compared to others—not on quality, but on price," Dougan explains. "Suddenly, the conversation shifts. ‘Why is your Carbonara £18 when the Italian in town does it for £11?’ or ‘Why is your fillet steak £30 when another place charges £25?’ They forget the quality that drew them to us in the first place."This is why Kenmuir Arms has made a conscious decision to avoid "everyday" dishes on their menu. "Yes, we might put fish and chips or burgers on the blackboard occasionally, but our menu avoids the usual suspects. We’re not trying to be like every generic eatery in town or the city. We’ve settled on the idea that we mean ‘Something to Someone, not Everything to Everyone.’"

The Importance of Supporting Rural Businesses

Dougan is quick to point out that rural hospitality businesses like his aren’t in it for the money. "Few rural operators are in business to make money. Most of us are here to provide a service while enjoying a way of life," he says. But to keep businesses like Kenmuir Arms alive, support from the local community is crucial.

"Using rural venues is the only way to make them accessible," Dougan emphasises. "This support doesn’t always have to come in the form of purchases. Sometimes, it’s as simple as the local Women’s Institute dropping in for a coffee or people just popping in to say hi. Even if they don’t buy anything, their presence creates a sense of community. People attract people. When others see activity, it creates intrigue, and they follow."Dougan believes this principle applies to all rural businesses, from community pubs and parish halls to village shops and post offices. "If you live in a rural community, don’t be afraid to pop your head in and say hi, no matter the time of day. Rural spirit is what keeps these communities alive."Preserving Rural TraditionsFor Dougan, the stakes are higher than just running a successful business. "The benefits of rural life will never be paralleled by commerce," he says passionately. "We can’t afford to lose our traditions to the accessibility of global conglomerates. It’s up to all of us to keep village traditions alive."As the Kenmuir Arms continues to thrive, it serves as a shining example of what’s possible when quality, community, and a clear vision come together. For Dougan, the message is clear: "Rural businesses like ours may be a little more expensive than the towns surrounding us, but what we offer is a guarantee of quality every time. We’re here to provide something special, and we hope people will continue to support that." In a world increasingly driven by speed and commercial benefits, the Kenmuir Arms reminds us of the enduring value of rural life and the importance of preserving it.