| Records of an Ale House date back to 1629. An original Travelers Inn - a one stop shop. The licensee provided refreshments, overnight accommodation and carried out blacksmith work. Horses newly shod, everyone fed, watered and rested, journeys could again continue. Fortunately for us, we no longer have to add ‘Smithy Work’ to our list of services.
Our story, - In 1980 the Nags Head went up for auction, Debbie’s parents attended, but were unsuccessful in their bid. As a consequence, their search to find and buy an ideal freehold pub took them to a village called Hanmer, only 15 miles from the Nags Head. The Hanmer Arms was where Debbie and her parents stayed for 21 years until it was sold in January 2001.
With the opportunity for a fresh start and new challenges, by coincidence the Nags Head once again came on the market. It was a struggling business, in receivership and in much need of TLC. We knew instantly this was the direction to follow.
On December 17th 2001, we were handed the keys. Rory & Debbie, helped by Debbie’s parents, Lesley & Trevor, began rebuilding the reputation of this very picturesque country pub.
With a quick increase in trade, our extension plans were brought forward. By September 2003, work was completed on our new Conservatory, ‘Farriers’ Restaurant, Restroom Facilities, Kitchen, Stores areas, 3 patio areas and all exterior landscaping
2 years on, in September 2005 we had cause for celebration. We were notified by the “Good Pub Guide” that we had won the 2006 Award – “Cheshire Dining Pub of the Year” This was a proud moment, it is not a competition you enter, but one based on the opinions of anonymous visitors and assessors and covers areas such as Chester & Ellesmere Port, Crewe, Knutsford and Warrington.
In just under 4 years the transformation was almost unbelievable, and is accredited to the dedication of our team, of which many are still with us today, and the continuous loyalty shown by all those who visit us.
Throughout 2006 and 2007, all was well and running smoothly; we were maintaining our reputation as a popular destination pub, new and regular customers returning often. In 2008 “Road works” which closed a major entry road to the Nags Head and lasted nearly 3 months caused an immediate noticeable difference in trade, the smoking ban which followed and the global economic downturn saw many people take stock, we were not immune.
2008 and 2009 required much tighter control; we continued to maintain a high level of quality and service and collectively remained enthusiastic and committed.
For 2010 we felt it necessary to look more closely at our future objectives, both personal and business:- To allow us time to clearly assess this situation, 5 key staff became responsible for different areas of the job, each one was given an opportunity to expand
their knowledge and experience, while full support and guidance was given from
ourselves.
As of January 2011, The Manager of the Nags Head, Karl Prince and Head Chef,
Richard Williams, both who have been working with us for around 8 years, took on
all the
responsibilities of the day to day running. Each individual offers qualities
which will ensure the team is covered for all eventualities. As a result of their dedication, loyalty and
commitment, both Karl and Richard deservedly now have these key positions and a long
term interest in the continued success of the Nags Head. By releasing us from a lot of the
'Planning', it allows us more time to enjoy working interactively with yourselves, have a little
more 'free' time and develop new areas of business. This will prove to exceed all we have
done before and in turn improve your own Nags Head experience.
Personally
So Karl and his wife Katie now live on the premises and we have sidled over to the staff
cottage (6 Strides away). The cottage is very small (can't take visitors), but having lived
above the job for all but 7 years of my life, that little bit of distance is great. There was an
underlying concern that my time in the industry was probably waning (I have lived or
worked in the industry for 37 years.), but at the end of the day I love this job, the changes
we have implemented have ensured renewed energies. That, coupled with our future plans
means you should see us around for a long time yet. We have learnt plenty over the last 12
months and hopefully these lessons can be put into practice. Finding a balance is important,
and that for us is now well underway.
Like everyone we have plans we hope will come to fruition; I have always done this job
because of the challenge, the buzz and because I never knew anything else, now Rory and I
want to carry on simply because we want to. For my hobbies I have made board games,
written an England football song, done and still do all sorts of daft things, and people can
enjoy them, or not. The point is if anything of that we (Rory and Debbie) do, makes you
smile it makes us smile too.
The Nags Head is our home, and everyone is welcome, please enjoy your time with us.
Rory, Debbie & The Team
PS. Our whole team is committed to providing quality food & excellent service, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. If you have any comments or ideas, good or bad, please let any of us know. We thank you for your ongoing support
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