Investing in the future of the Blue Bell
This popular village inn certainly has the wow factor following its extensive makeover, carried out over a six week period after an investment of £288,000
Doubling SuccessAdmiral Rodney
Discover Hannah's journey from Ye Olde Bridge Inn to The Admiral Rodney in Nottinghamshire.
In 2018, Hannah Lloyd, with a background in e-commerce, embarked on a new venture. She took over Ye Olde Bridge Inn at Oxton, Nottinghamshire, stepping into the pub industry without prior experience, save for childhood memories of her mother running a pub in Devon. Fast forward to 2024, and Hannah has expanded her portfolio by taking on The Admiral Rodney in her home village of Calverton.
Hannah's journey reflects the excitement, challenges and opportunities presented by the pub industry. Her first venture, Ye Olde Bridge Inn, has gained impressive acclaim, bagging the title of 'Best Pub for Families' in the Great British Pub Awards 2022 and Nottinghamshire's County Winner in the National Pub & Bar Awards 2023. These achievements reveal both her business acumen and passion for creating welcoming community spaces.
Taking on a second pub was not a light decision for Hannah. "Our first pub, Ye Olde Bridge, means everything to us, and we've grown so much over the past five years. However, we've known we wanted another venue for a while," she explains.
The key, she found, was proximity and potential. The Admiral Rodney, in the rapidly evolving village of Calverton, just two miles from Oxton, offered an ideal opportunity. "Calverton is a big village with over 9,000 residents. Also, in Nottinghamshire, people don't go into the city centre like they used to," Hannah notes, noting a shift in local social patterns.
The Admiral Rodney offers a different character from Ye Olde Bridge. While Ye Olde Bridge is a large, food-centric destination pub, The Admiral Rodney has a more intimate setting with just nine tables, catering primarily to drinkers. This classic village pub, complete with a dartboard in its taproom, attracts regulars for a quick pint. "It's really rewarding to see regulars coming in all the time and enjoying the pub," Hannah says. "Ye Olde Bridge is gratifying but in a different way. There, every other table will be a birthday or family celebration. Meanwhile, at The Admiral Rodney, people pop in for a quick pint because they're walking past. So we now have the complete spectrum of customers, which is great."
Hannah's vision for The Admiral Rodney was clear: to create a solid village pub that blends modernity with tradition and appeals across generations. The refurbishment in late 2023, done in collaboration with Everards, focused on enhancing the pub's character while making it more inviting. The result? A stylish yet cosy space that respects its heritage, evidenced by the preserved drinkers' taproom and historic local photographs of Calverton Coal Mine. "99% of people are loving the new look," Hannah says.
The evolution of The Admiral Rodney also involved diversifying its offerings. Previously a predominantly wet-led pub, the introduction of a new tapas & bar snacks menu has shifted its focus, attracting a broader customer base. "The food trade has gone up," Hannah says, noting the pub's new role as a daytime hub for coffee, cake, and breakfasts, catering to the local work-from-home crowd and walking groups.
Managing two distinct pubs presents unique challenges, particularly in balancing time and attention. Hannah emphasises the importance of still paying attention to Ye Olde Bridge while also nurturing The Admiral Rodney.
Staff management is crucial, with three managers staying at Ye Olde Bridge and a promoted bar manager now focusing on The Admiral Rodney.
Reflecting on her partnership with Everards, Hannah appreciates the balance of support and independence. "They have a good business understanding and will give you as little or as much support as you want," she says. This approach has allowed her to leverage her skills while benefiting from Everards' expertise.
Hannah's story is inspiring for anyone considering running pubs or expanding their existing portfolio. Her success with Ye Olde Bridge Inn and The Admiral Rodney demonstrates the potential for growth, community building and personal fulfilment in the pub industry.
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