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“It was important that the development was carried out in keeping with the local surroundings, but that brought its own set of challenges!” |
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Graham Earl Dennett, Rams Head Inn, Grappenall |
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“The school hasn’t been able to provide hot meals for its pupils for a long time and, thanks to the support of the team at the Ropsley Fox, the children now have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy meal at lunchtime.” |
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Jack Wright, Ropsley Fox, Grantham Rd, Ropsley |
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“We started out with a pub that was labelled ‘the worst in Warwickshire’ and we are proud to have turned it around so much that it has just been awarded a rare Gold award from the Environmental Health Department!" |
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Gareth Beddow and Kelly Satchwell, Sun in Splendour, Leamington Spa |
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“When we took on the Chemic in Woodhouse, Leeds, we built on what was already working. The previous people had music nights which we encouraged, we now have regular folk and jazz evenings and we’re a popular local venue." |
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Dawn and Ruth Edwards, Chemic and Wrens Hotel, Leeds |
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“My solicitor went through the agreement with a fine-tooth comb and was impressed with how Punch had put everything together. My application went in and I was thrilled – not to mention relieved – when Punch confirmed it was the best and the lease was mine.” |
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Niki Hackett, Old Cock Inn, Harpenden, Hertfordshire |
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“We have been at the pub for 18 months and had our post office running since last November. It came about because the local store closed down and villagers were concerned about having to travel elsewhere. They asked us if we’d consider making it part of the pub and the idea simply grew from there.” |
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Hilary and Gerry Scott, Black Swan, Wistow, Nr Selby |
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”It has been a challenge putting what we have learned in our management career into practice as our own bosses at the Scotts, but we are really enjoying it and look forward to welcoming customers for many years to come." |
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Ted & Julie Van Zeller, Scotts Arms, Sicklinghall, Nr Wetherby |
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“This is our first lease with Punch and they have been excellent to deal with throughout. If things continue to go well at the White Horse we would consider another pub lease in the Midlands and would be more than happy to work with them again.” |
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Chris Kelly and David Cappendell’s, White Horse, Balsall Common |
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“The smoking ban will come into force next year and I decided to make the change now to stay one step ahead of the law.” |
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Roger Scott and Justine Mackenzie, Willow Tree, Bourn & Poachers, Elsworth |
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“An additional hour is more than enough as opening all hours wasn’t appropriate for our customer base or our location as a community local.” |
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Chris and Alison Wittwer, Royal Oak, Exminster |
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“We always felt Exeter was missing a good place to eat, drink and celebrate and with our American concept, which focused on great food, welcoming surroundings and fantastic service, we knew we had a strong idea.” |
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Colin and Emma Spry, Starz, Exeter |
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“During the investment project we worked closely with Punch and the end product was excellent. The pub is a former coaching house and we doubled the trading space by putting a glass roof over the cobbled courtyard area.” |
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Max Baker and Steve Cooper, Oak, Kelsall |
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“We’re keen to attract shoppers and workers in the town by offering the ideal venue for a relaxing drink or bite to eat, whether you’ve got half an hour or the whole day!” |
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Gervaise Durran and Alison Beasley, Kings Head, Chepstow |
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“We did take a lot on board, but leasing was a chance to implement everything we had learned. And one of the reasons it has worked so well is that we put so much of ourselves into it, our personalities influence the atmosphere in the pub.” |
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Steve & Karry Baker, Peaks Inn, Castleton |
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“When we were visiting pubs socially we kept asking ourselves what would we do differently to this business and how could we improve it. We just seemed to have loads of exciting ideas and started talking to the various pubcos to see what opportunities were available.” |
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Chris & Alison Wittwer, Royal Oak, Exminster |
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“David and I have been interested in starting our own business for some time and when this opportunity arose to take on the lease at the Dog & Partridge we couldn’t resist.” |
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Kelly Robinson & David Hill, Dog & Partridge, Heaton Mersey |
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“We’ve created a completely new offering for this area and hope to complement the existing dining experiences available in Cowbridge. |
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Andrew and Stuart Tucker, Market Place, Cowbridge |
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“I’ve been a chef since I was 16 and to have my skills recognised in this way is incredibly rewarding, particularly having chosen to go down the pub route.” |
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Daniel Keene, chef and co-licensee, Smiths Arms, Tees Valley |
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“The self discipline and people management skills you learn in the army are of tremendous importance and help to achieve your full business potential.” |
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Rob Richier, Warrant Officer, Walthamstow |
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“We’ve placed a real emphasis on the community atmosphere, making sure every customer receives a warm welcome, and introduced organic wines, real ales and a food offering to appeal to a wider audience.” |
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Jonny and Claire Henfry, Gowlett, Peckham |
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“Avoca is all about doing the simple things, but doing them well. I am very pleased with how things have turned out since starting here and am hopeful it’s a concept we can eventually take beyond Edinburgh.” |
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Patrick Furey, Avoca, Edinburgh |
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“The key is to adopt a proactive approach by showing the local authorities that we are on top of the situation and are taking all of the necessary measures to ensure trouble free streets at closing time.” |
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Jason Flack and Andrew Evans, Zulus, Leytonstone |
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“We want customers to feel welcome at the Queen Victoria and I can’t wait to start getting to know our regulars. That’s the main reason I got involved in the trade in the first place – talking to people and building up a rapport with them.” |
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Sarah Thorne, Queen Victoria, Exeter |
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