The Ship
Cathy and Michael took on The Ship at Wincle in 2009. They researched the market to come up with a sound business plan and then implemented their strategy
They got involved in the local community and arranged
for some brown tourist signs to improve their appeal to passing traffic on the main 'A' road. Michael and Cathy know what they want to offer and try hard to exceed
their goals. The Ship at Wincle was awarded the Food Pub of the Year award at the JW Lees pub awards in 2011.
Michael displaying his culinary skills at the Ship.
Holland Arms Hotel
Christine Thomas faced a dramatic fall in sales, no accommodation bookings, a poor food offering and demotivated staff, not to mention dissatisfied customers when she took this pub on. Yes a challenge to even the most experienced in the trade, however Christine (who’d never run a pub before) set about the task instantly focusing on improving her retail offering completely from painting and improving the customer areas, reviewing and changing the food offer, providing a better carvery menu, promoting the pool and darts team and giving the staff direction and a sense of pride in the pub. Now after her team's hard work and focus the Holland Arms is now enjoying a real increase in sales and reputation which is all converting to profit and a brighter future. JW Lees are even considering investing in a capex project to increase the number of bedrooms and covers too. Although Christine's vision is coming together she knows there will be a long way to go until the dream becomes a reality Certainly a candidate for newcomer of the year award, so watch this space.
Christine behind the bar at the Holland Arms.
