His experience also includes being part of Whitbread’s Opening Team for 3 years, travelling up and down the country, launching new pubs. He learnt that it’s very important to adapt each pub to suit its locale. For example, at The Prince of Wales in Hampton Court where he is stationed now, commuters from central London often stop off for informal meetings or festive parties and he stocks racks of champagne for spontaneous celebrations!
Locals may remember The Prince of Wales being more like a Sports Bar. However, in May 2008 it was refurbished to make it a welcoming place for all people and all occasions. As well as traditional pub grub, the menu has been revamped to include healthier options and platters for sharing that work well for Girls Nights Out. Sunday roasts and hand-pressed burgers are very popular and wireless internet is freely available. Background music is kept at a reasonable level so that you can hear yourself think.
In recent months, it has been the venue of choice for Christening and Birthday parties, job interviews, work celebrations and even an engagement! Apparently, the ambience and mood was just right for a man to pop the question to his girlfriend and she said yes. They returned to the auspicious spot 4 or 5 days later with friends to show them where he had proposed!
© thebestofesher, 2011
Above: Pub landlord, Andy
Below: Some of the team at the Prince of Wales, Hampton Court Village
