Rob Richier is a former member of the Royal Engineers and has been running his own pub business in a corner of East London for the past three years.

While in the army Rob was posted all over the world, from Cyprus to the USA, but now spends most of his days in Walthamstow and says he is thoroughly enjoying pub life.

He has managed to keep a connection with the army during that time as a member of the TA’s Royal Green Jackets and is still a member of the Royal Logistics Corp and in 2003 was called to serve in Iraq as a diplomatic courier.

Rob said: “My military background has proven a fantastic training ground for my new life as a publican and running my own business has given me a huge amount of satisfaction since leaving the Engineers. 

“The self discipline and people management skills you learn in the army are of tremendous importance and help to achieve your full business potential.”

In 2002 Rob took on a Punch lease and now employs an eight strong staff.

Having earned the rank of Warrant Officer, he thought it apt to give the name to his business and it is now one of the landmark pubs in Walthamstow where Rob is a pillar of the local community.

In 2005 he completed a 27 mile sponsored walk to raise money for two disabled children whose parents are regulars at the pub and a series of other fund raising events are planned in 2006.

Working with Punch Taverns, Rob has overseen a £100,000 refurbishment project at the Warrant Officer, putting his own stamp on the site and introducing real ales as well as food to widen the pub’s appeal, with plans for a B&B development in the near future.

He said: “What I love is that I’m still my own boss and I am absorbed by my job in the same way as a soldier.”