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By Matt Furnell, 22/03/2010 6:19 pm

Bernard Lee, landlord of the John Barleycorn has lots to celebrate this year, having been in the pub business for 35 years, becoming an official pensioner and celebrating the first anniversary of his takeover of the pub, so he’s having a big bash on 27^th March.

Starting out his career as a rock guitarist, he soon got drawn into running pubs in Barnsley.  Thirty five years on, he has held key positions with John Smiths, National Vice President of the Licensed Victuallers Association and now runs his own pub training business alongside his Greene King pub.

Speaking about his year, Bernard said, “It’s been a busy year and seems set to continue which is great.  Since taking over the John Barleycorn we’ve re-thatched it and improved the business.  My OAP status certainly doesn’t mean I’ll be slowing down.  I love being in pubs and running them and am pleased that after one year at the John Barleycorn we can certainly celebrate in style its success and thank all the new and old customers we have at the 1^st anniversary party”.

Regional manager for Greene King, Phil Arnold said, “It just shows that if you have the passion and energy you can run a good pub whatever time of your life.  Bernard is one of our most enthusiastic licensees and it’s great to have him at the helm in the John Barleycorn”.

ENDS

Pictured: Still going strong behind the bar, Bernard Lee 

Press Contact: Elaine Beckett, PR & Comms Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

Whether you fancy a good pint of beer or to send a letter to a loved one, you can be guaranteed both at the Queens Head pub in Fowlmere.  Another renowned British institution is set to stand inside this great British pub, a Post Office.

Speaking about their new addition to the Queens Head, landlord Alan who runs the Greene King pub with his wife Jo said, “The Post Office approached us to open a post office facility at the pub and we jumped at the chance.  We’re a real community pub here and this makes us a central facility for everyone.  It will certainly bring the village together and if they fancy a cup of tea or pint of beer whilst they get their pension, they can”.

Alan and Jo Clasby have run the Queens Head pub in Fowlmere for five years and have developed a real village pub introducing a petanque league, summer bbqs and providing a warm welcome to families and dogs too.  The Post Office will be officially open for business Monday to Friday, 10 to 12 pm from 22^nd March.

Regional Manager for Greene King, Phil Arnold said, “Pubs are an essential part of village life and Alan and Jo have done a great job creating this service.  The Post Office will just add to what is a brilliant community pub”.

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Pub Contact: Alan and Jo Clasby, Tel: 01763 208274

Press Contact: Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

Evelyn with Mike O'Connor from Greene King

Evelyn Miles leaves the Castle pub in Sevenoaks this week after appearing for 35 years behind the bar.  Greene King who owns the pub gave the loyal landlady a fond farewell.

Mike O’Connor, regional manager for Greene King said, “Whilst Evelyn has been behind the bar she’s served over 1,260,000 pints of beer and today she’ll pour her final one.  We thought it was about time she saw where all that beer comes from so we’ve invited her to a VIP brewery tour to start off her new life.  We wish her a long and happy retirement and hope that the memories she has of being such a great landlady stay with her for years to come”.

When Evelyn started behind the bar a pint of beer was around 27p with pub food being a packet of pork scratchings or a pickled egg.  Speaking about her time at the Castle, Evelyn said, “I’ve seen the pub business change over the years but one thing that’s remained the same is that customers want to feel welcome in a pub and they come to make friends.  Here at the Castle, I’ve made sure everyone who comes through the door feels special and that’s been the best bit about running the pub for all this time”.

Eveylyn pulling her very last pint

Evelyn intends to put her feet up for a well earned rest now and is looking forward to being the other side of the bar for many years to come.

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Pictured: Evelyn with Mike O’Connor from Greene King with her last pint when her firstcost 27p 

Eveylyn pulling her very last pint

Press Contact: Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell, 15/03/2010 6:03 pm

The Jolly Farmer, Hurst, is expecting quite a gathering on Saturday 20^th March!   A day for the whole family, full of vintage activities, the Jolly Farmer will play host to the local annual steam rally that attracts guests from as far a field as Holland and Germany.  Customers will get the chance to see up close some exquisite vintage vehicles and steam engines as well as watch the exciting races of the mini steam engines and the mamods!  The event is a particular passion of The Incredible Dr Busker, the last Victorian Pub Pianist who will be playing into the evening.

Greene King Licensees, Nick and Jane Flatters said, “We are thrilled to offer our customers a day that is out of the ordinary. It really is something the whole family can get involved in, from having breakfast together at the pub, through to supper watching Dr Busker in the evening!  We are proud being associated with an event that promotes the preservation of our fantastic heritage”.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Robin Tidd said, “Nick and Jane are really looking forward to welcoming their regulars and new customers to this fantastic day. The Jolly Farmer is a great pub for this event, offering a great welcome as well as great beer and food! ”

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Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Kensington Arms, Redland is renowned for its laid back atmosphere and relaxed approach; a local pub with great modern British food. So it’s no surprise that the pub recently had the honour of being awarded an ‘AA Rosette for Culinary Excellence’, recognising them as an outstanding pub in the area of Bristol. 

A mystery visit led to the award showing The Kensington Arms offered fantastic and consistently high quality food.

Speaking about the award, licensee at the Greene King pub, Tom Nunn said, “It’s brilliant news for the whole team.  We’re very proud that all the hard work and effort to make our dining experience something special has been accredited with an AA Rosette. It recognises the quality and consistency of our food that our customers have come expect”.

Toby Brett, regional manager for Greene King said, “It’s wonderful that The Kensington Arms has been awarded such a prestigious accolade. Tom and his team have done a great job at The Kensington Arms and this certainly puts the pub firmly on the map”

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Press Contact:

Tom Nunn, Operations Manager, Brunel Pub Company, Tel: 07714 205108

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners, Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Dukes Head, Sunninghill, has welcomed with open arms, it’s new licensees, Hungarian couple, Andras Rajk and Krisztina Jando.  With the help of their families they have embraced their new project and lovingly prepared the Dukes Head for 2010, creating a homely atmosphere which prides itself on offering freshly prepared dishes of both English and Hungarian origin – a real gem for fans of Goulash!

Andras and Krisztina said, “We’ve been here since September and have been working hard to transform this pub into a real hub for the community.  We’re really proud how it’s turned out and we’re looking forward to welcoming more of the villagers back”.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Robin Tidd said, “Andras and Krisztina are doing a great job of bringing this village pub back to life creating a real gem for the local area, their positive attitude and determination looks set to be a recipe for success and we’re working closely with them to help encourage more of the villagers back”.

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Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Castle, Finchley, has a new King on its throne and he’s certainly cooking up a storm!  This year, saw new licensee, Denis Cook and his partner Deborah O’Reilly take up the reins of the Greene King pub in the heart of historic Childs Hill and already The Castle breathes his friendly and funky attitude.

Inspiration to his legendary nephew, DJ Norman Cook, aka Fatboy Slim, Denis has worked his magic in turning the venue in to a super sleek music lounge that wouldn’t be out of place in Cuba.  To complement The Castle’s new vibe, Argentine Tango is being taught and tapas are being served at the newly refurbished music venue.

Cosmopolitan locals and affluent students frequent The Castle and entertainment ranges from karaoke and open mic to the Castle Court Jesters comedy nights. Aiming to showcase a tribute band each month, customers are in for some delights.  Tickets are already selling for tribute acts; Rod and the Facez, Van the Band and the must see, Overtures (the 60’s tribute band to the stars, having played at Elton John’s wedding and supported him at his O2 arena concerts in 2009).

Denis’ wealth of music knowledge and industry contacts has already put the Greene King pub on the map as being one of the most important music venues for Northwest London.  So much so, that Albert Lee, (rated by Eric Clapton as one of the world’s greatest guitarists), and Hogan’s Heroes are kicking off their European tour at The Castle on 4^th March!

As well as fast becoming the music hub of the area, The Castle looks set to be an ideal summer hotspot too. Coming soon is a stylish, heated terrace adorned with olives trees and fairy lights is the perfect setting to enjoy The Castle’s espresso coffee, cocktails or a real ale.

Denis said, ‘We’ve been working hard since December to transform this pub in to an enticing music venue for customers and artists and we feel like we are really achieving the dream. We want to cater for all our customers, including our jiving pensioners who love the music line up, and we are thrilled to introduce an OAP menu’.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, operations manager David Carless said, ‘Denis is a jewel in the Castle crown and is his energy and drive is infectious. He is creating an incredible buzz surrounding his music events at The Castle and I am sure his customers will all agree with me when I say ‘Long may he reign!’’

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Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Swan, Bradwell, are inviting SWAGs (Sassy, Wise and Grown Up) to join them for an evening of Bubbles and Beauty!  Having already run a successful pilot event, Greene King Licensee, Aimee Winsbury-Cutts is rolling out the pamper evenings to her current and prospective female customers.   The events, taking place on Wednesday 31st March and Wednesday 26^th May, aim to give ladies an opportunity to take some well deserved ‘time out’ away from the hectic pressures of day to day life.

Aimee says, “I recently attended a Greene King ladies day where I had the luxury to think about me, my business and my lifestyle.  I also got to enjoy a glass of bubbly and have a hand massage!  I was inspired to organise a similar event for the ladies in our area offering them a place to meet friends and make new ones and to take some time to have a treatment and maybe purchase something luxurious for themselves”.

Tickets include a glass of sparkling wine on arrival, canapés that are mini versions of The Swan’s menu dishes and the choice of an eyebrow shape or a mini manicure! Guests are also able to enjoy further treatments by local beauticians, and have the opportunity to purchase handbags, beauty products and lingerie on the night! 

Aimee, who also runs The Dolphin, Stisted, goes on to say, “We are thrilled to offer this evening to our female customers who lead very busy lives and deserve an evening of indulgence!”

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Chris Cocker said, “Aimee is extremely customer focused and always tailors her events around her customers.  Her enthusiasm for bringing new concepts to her two pubs is outstanding. Her customers are in for a real treat!”

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Pub Contact:

Aimee Winsbury-Cutts

Tel: 07525488595

Press Contact:

Elaine Beckett, Public Relations Manager, Greene King Pub Partners,

Tel: 07974 132844

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By Matt Furnell,

The Woolpack, Chelmsford, is on a winning streak! Following on from their 2009 success of being named the Morning Advertiser’s ‘Cask Ale Pub of the Year’, Greene King Licensees, Dave and Maggie Gentry have received the accolade of ‘Pub of the Year’, voted for by CAMRA members of Chelmsford and Mid-Essex.  The Woolpack was packed to the rafters on the evening of Thursday 11^th March, when the presentation was made to the popular licensees.

Dave and Maggie said, “We are thrilled to receive such a prestigious award and it means so much that our loyal regulars and CAMRA members took the time to vote for us. We always try to offer a great range of quality beers for our customers and they really seem to appreciate it”.

The celebrations continue into Spring as The Woolpack are holding their Easter Beer Festival from 1^st-4^th April – an event that is sure to bring together real beer lovers.

Speaking about the Greene King pub, regional manager for Greene King, Steve Head said, “Dave and Maggie truly deserve the recognition that this award brings. They are committed to pouring the best pint for their customers and the Woolpack is a superb local for is regulars and new customers”.