New to the trade and big on passion

Having loved her time working as bar manager at Wigston community pub The Fairfield, Kelly Aldridge jumped at the chance to become business owner of the popular spot in September 2023.

Now, with the help of Everards, she’s transforming The Fairfield into the perfect haven for her much-valued customers. The most recent changes, which were carried out in April this year following an investment of £102,000 from Everards, have included an exterior refurbishment, with new colours and new signage, and a make-over in the main bar area.

Guests are now greeted by a tunnel mural on the wall straight ahead of them as they walk in, before turning to see the freshly painted blue walls, contemporary lighting and decorative touches added by Kelly. Her favourite bit, she says, is the hexagonal shelving units she’s fixed to one of the walls, which display Everards pump clips and the pub’s Cellar Excellence award.

Kelly has also recently re-decorated the snug, with muted green walls and soft furnishings creating a cosy den at the side of the pub. She’s also spent time improving the large rear garden, including adding a new children’s play area.

The previous play area had been taken out a few years ago as it was no longer fit for purpose, but according to Kelly, it is a vital feature. “This is a family pub, it needs a play area. That was the first thing I added when I took over and it’s the best decision I ever made, because now the garden’s full of happy kids and the parents are happy sat outside with a drink in the summer.”

Full of passion for her job, Kelly comes across as the perfect hostess. Yet, she only started working in the pub industry in 2020. She had previously worked in retail and catering, before becoming bar manager at The Fairfield to help out her then sister-in-law, Amanda.