A ranking of fictional TV businesses Brits dream of running has been unveiled, with pubs from hit soaps topping the top ten.
A new survey has revealed a definitive ranking of the fictional businesses Brits would most like to own and — despite murders, affairs, explosions, fires, floods and even plane crashes — soap opera pubs dominated the list.
EastEnders’ famous Queen Vic, once run by legendary landlady Peggy Mitchell, secured 10% of the vote, placing it ahead of The Woolpack from Emmerdale (9%) and The Rovers Return from Coronation Street (8%).
However, according to the poll of 2,000 Brits commissioned by business insurance specialists Premierline, the nation’s top choice overall would be Wonka Industries, with the chocolate empire attracting more than one in six votes (18%).
Close behind was Central Perk from the iconic sitcom Friends (17%), while a bold one in ten (12%) said they would happily take over Fawlty Towers — the chaotic hotel run by Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil — or Stark Industries from Iron Man, which also received 12% of the vote.
Other businesses that featured on the list included Trotters Independent Trading from Only Fools and Horses (10%), The White Lotus (7%), Scoops Ahoy from Stranger Things (7%) and Agence Grateau from Emily in Paris (5%).
When asked why they would want to run these fictional ventures, 37% said it would simply be “a laugh”, while more than a quarter (27%) admitted they would enjoy the drama. Meanwhile, one in ten (11%) felt confident they could do a better job than the current on-screen manager.
A spokesperson for Premierline said: “It’s no surprise that soap pubs and recognisable on-screen businesses rank so highly, as they’re familiar, community-focused and feel like environments people already understand. However, what these fictional favourites don’t show is the reality business owners face every day.
“In real life, running a pub, shop or hospitality venue involves handling significant risks, from property damage — such as fires and floods — to public liability issues, staff sickness, theft and cash-flow challenges. Without the right insurance in place, even a minor incident can quickly turn into an expensive problem.”
Almost one in ten (9%) said they had gone as far as drafting a business plan for a fictional company, while nearly a third (29%) admitted they had spent time considering how they would operate one.
Remarkably, three quarters of Brits (74%) said they would leave their current job immediately to take charge of one of these fictional firms.
The research also explored overall job satisfaction levels. Around two thirds (65%) said they hope to be their own boss one day. One in ten (10%) said they are ready to quit and launch a business soon, while a further one in five (20%) revealed they have considered writing a business plan but have not yet done so.
Just over a quarter (27%) said they love their current role, although only 2% claimed they “live for” their job. Meanwhile, 6% admitted they dislike their role and cannot wait to move on.
The Premierline spokesperson added: “It’s hardly surprising that so many Brits aspire to start their own business. For many, it represents freedom, flexibility and the chance to turn a passion into a long-term career. Whether it’s opening a café, launching an online store or going freelance, the drive towards entrepreneurship has never been stronger.
“What’s often overlooked amid the excitement of starting up is the practical reality. From safeguarding premises and equipment to ensuring you’re protected if something goes wrong, having appropriate insurance can be the difference between a small hiccup and a major financial setback.”
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