TONY MERRICK has been tenant of the Queens Head, Hawkshead since 1988, before that the Andrew Arms, Compstall and the Ring O'Bells, Marple.
Being able to do business on a personal level where decisions are made quickly has been my experience. A letter to the chairman has always received a personal reply and support has consistently been provided without interference in the way I run my business. My overall experience is one of up-front negotiations, honesty and trust.
MARTIN COOK was taken on as an employee of the Glyn-y-Weddw, Llanbedrog in 1998. By 1991 he had worked his way up to become manager and eight years later he took on the tenancy himself.
The whole culture of a very traditional company that embraces modern practises creates a great environment to run your own business and enjoy the rewards. The value of loyalty though cannot be understated and the benfits flow both ways. It is also reassuring to know that when I have needed support, either personally or professionally, I have always been treated as an individual rather than a number.
DAVID HUGHES is the tenant of the Plough at Whitegate. Since the start of his tenancy in 1995 he has invested in his business and transformed a county local into a thriving pub and country local.
Throughout the Company the managers and directors know their jobs inside out and have always been willing to take appropriate action to support and assist the development of my business. The ability to pick up the phone and speak directly is certainly apppreciated when a rapid decision is needed.
The Railway, Rose Hill
Steve & Jan Healy have been tenants of The Railway at Rose Hill since November 1998.They progressed there from the Horsefield Arms at Bredbury where over a period of five years, they had developed as skilled operators of their first pub.
The Company has consistently given us the autonomy to build our business and gain a return, with the combination of support when we have needed it, recognition of our input and a fair rent. A good two-way working relationship with our District Manager and personal contact with the Company directors has certainly helped our development.
The Grapes, Hazel Grove
Elaine and George Wood have been with Robinson’s since August 1986 and are currently tenants of The Grapes, Hazel Grove.
The approach is certainly not a case of one size fits all and over the past 20 years we have been treated as individuals rather than numbers. At the point when we had taken our first pub business as far as we could Robinson’s worked with us to find the next house that would best suit us and quickly helped us to make the move – quite simply we feel that Robinson’s is the best brewery around.
Wynnstay Arms, Ruabon
John and Susan Egan have been tenants of the Wynnstay Arms at Ruabon since 2004. Before that they had kept the Running Pump at Catforth on two separate occasions and they also built up the Derby Arms at Treales as a Freehouse which they went on to sell to the Company.
I am now in my third tenancy with Robinson’s. A good location, reasonable rent and well-respected products have certainly played their part in our success, but the underlying strength has always been the rock solid family ownership of the Company and the stability that it provides.
Royal Scot, Marple
Helen and Karl Guare ran town centre operations on Anglesey before opting for a village location in Marple Bridge where they have kept the Royal Scot since 2003.
Our values of even-handedness are reflected by a family run company in a way that has consistently worked to our mutual benefit. We have been tenants with Robinson’s since 1986 during which time we have kept three houses, and on each occasion we have been able to build a sound business selling quality products while we have progressed in the trade.
Drum & Monkey, Alderley Edge
Graham & Jacqueline Woodhouse have been both managers and tenants of Robinson’s houses, and took on their current house, the Drum & Monkey in Alderley Edge in November 2006.
We have never worked with a more amiable brewer or pub operator where day to day business is conducted on such a personal level. The fact that so many licensees stay with the Company for so many years is testament to the way that business is conducted.
Ye Olde Admiral Rodney
Peter and Gail Brady have kept Ye Olde Admiral Rodney, Prestbury since 1993. Before that they kept the Horsefield Arms at Bredbury for eight years.
It’s simple – if you do a good job, look after the beer and pay your bills there are no problems. For as long as we have been with Robinson’s we have never argued, fallen out or not been able to resolve a situation with either a manager or the family.
Davenport Arms, Woodford
Yvonne Hallworth is the fourth generation of her family to keep the Davenport Arms at Woodford.
If ever there is a subject that needs to be discussed I know that I can pick up the phone and speak directly to somebody who is in a position to help. My family and Robinson’s have been making decisions together and work hand-in-hand to achieve the best outcome for us both since 1932.
Cross Keys Hotel, Milnthorpe
Ian and Sandra Mills have been tenants of the Cross Keys Hotel in Milnthorpe since 2001.
Our ideas have always been listened to and in return the Company have shared their input and experience with us. When we have been able to provide solutions rather than problems, Robinson’s have certainly done their best to accommodate our suggestions in a way that has worked for us both.
Bulls Head, Ashford in the Water
Debbie and Carl Shaw took over as tenants of the Bulls Head, Ashford in 2000 following the retirement of Debbie’s uncle. Since then the couple have built on the pub’s reputation as a top class food led house, and gained a listing in the 2006 Egon Ronay guide to the best restaurants and gastropubs in the UK.
As the third generation of my family to keep the Bulls Head, Robinson’s have provided us with stability for more than 50 years. As a pub operator that still brews its own beer, the Company sees the full picture of the licensed trade, and has been able to provide us with the continuity that we value.
Oddfellows Arms, Ashton
John Lucas is the third generation of his family to keep the Oddfellows Arms at Ashton. He took over the tenancy from his father in 1984 and before that his grandfather had kept the house since 1914.
If you are prepared to take the highs with the lows then running a pub can provide more than a living - it is a way of life. Of course the structure in which you operate makes a difference and with Robinson’s there is the mutual trust and loyalty that gives me the freedom to do things my way.
The Plough, Etruria
Bob and Jane Ward began their tenancy at The Plough, Etruria in 1993 having built up their first pub with a national operator only to receive a dramatic rent increase.
It is a refreshing experience to deal with a progressive company that still maintains its family values. I can say no more than my relationship with Robinson’s is working as a team, and that the more you put in the more you get out. There are not many companies where the Chairman knows you by name.
Kinmel Arms, Molfre
John Williams took up the tenancy of the Kinmel Arms, Molfre in 1978 having previously been manager of the Four Crosses at Menai Bridge.
The fact that the Company is in it for the long-term has provided me with the continuity to build a sustainable business. My day to day operations are certainly helped by the fact that I can pick up the phone and speak to somebody who will make a decision without passing me from pillar to post.
