Success from the pitch to the pub with Alistair Hargreaves

In this episode, David and Jamie sit down with Alistair Hargreaves, former Saracens rugby player and co-founder of Wolfpack, to explore his unlikely leap from professional sport into building one of London’s most beloved independent pub brands. Hargreaves reflects on the “cliff edge” faced by every athlete, the pressure of figuring out life after sport, and how desperation, resilience and camaraderie paved the way for a completely new chapter.

The conversation unpacks the mindset behind reinvention, the realities of starting a business with zero industry experience, and the culture-first approach that has helped Wolfpack grow from a double-decker bus pouring pints to a thriving network of pubs with a devoted community. Hargreaves shares candid, thoughtful perspectives on leadership, brand building and the joy of creating spaces where people genuinely feel at home.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways

1. Life After Sport & the Power of Reinvention

• Alistair speaks openly about the moment every athlete faces — the unavoidable “cliff edge” where your sporting career ends and real-life decisions begin.
• His shift into business wasn’t driven by a polished plan but by urgency, curiosity and a desire to put his sporting values to use beyond the pitch.
• Resilience, discipline and teamwork became the transferable skills that shaped his next chapter.

2. The Birth of Wolfpack

• Wolfpack began as a simple idea: serve beer to a captive audience of rugby fans from a converted double-decker bus.
• Early feedback taught Alistair and co-founder Chris that skills from rugby had value — but only if tested outside the sport. That became the catalyst for action.
• What started as post-training pub chats evolved into supplying local venues and eventually opening their own spaces across London.

3. Building a Brand Bigger Than Its Founders

• Rather than relying on their reputations as rugby players, Alistair and Chris intentionally built Wolfpack as a brand with its own identity, rooted in community
• Wolfpack’s culture — not fame — became its engine.

4. Community as the Heart of the Business

• Alistair discusses why Wolfpack pubs feel like neighbourhood anchors: places where people of all ages gather, connect and feel part of something local.
• From pouring pints on doorsteps during lockdown to nurturing spaces where everyone feels welcome, community is not a buzzword — it’s lived practice.

5. Entrepreneurship: Grit, Naivety & Taking Punches

• Alistair describes entrepreneurship as equal parts courage and naivety — the willingness to jump in before you feel ready.
• He reflects on weathering tough seasons, taking hits, and staying resilient long enough to find a way through.
• His advice: avoid the “grey zone” of hesitation. Commit fully, embrace discomfort, and surround yourself with good people.

🧭 Alistair’s Invitation

Lean in, take the leap, and trust that the skills you’ve built, whatever world they came from, can shape something meaningful in the next chapter.

📖 Featured Quote

“The strength of the wolf is in the pack — it’s all about togetherness.” — Alistair Hargreaves

🍺 Wolfpack

Explore Wolfpack and their venues: https://wolfpacklager.com/

Follow Wolfpack on Instagram: @wolfpacklager