Tynemill -
Best in Britain
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The
business that owns some of the most characteristic pubs in the region
have been declared "The Best Pub Chain in Britain" by
the Good Pub Guide 2002.
The Beeston
based company, Tynemill, has earned the prestigious award with a
simple philosophy.
It matches any one of its outlets to the local surroundings whilst
sticking to the principle of quality beer and good food. A further
asset is a quiet atmosphere and an insistence on reasonable behaviour.
| "I
wanted a pub I'd like to want to drink in myself" |
| Chris
Holmes |
Chris Holmes,
the Managing Director, and the man who has been at the helm since
the start back min the 70s, says that "it is an honour to both
our staff and our customers. Both make the pubs the places they
are."
In a meeting
at The Victoria Hotel in Beeston over a perfect lunchtime pint,
he goes on to explain how it all came about.
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| Chris Holmes |
"I was
lecturing at Trent Polytechnic when the Campaign for Real Ale was
in its infancy."
After getting involved to the point of becoming chairman, he decided
to put his views into action.
"I wanted
a pub I'd like to drink in myself."
He took over The Old Kings Arms in Newark, which had been closed
for many years and transformed it into a haven which soon gathered
a brand new clientele.
In years to
come he gave up this pub but by this time his business as a whole
was growing.
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| A welcoming
sight |
More than one
person thought Chris had "lost the plot" when he took
on the Victoria Hotel in Beeston.
It was an ex-railway hotel that had fallen on very hard times.
"The people of Beeston proved my instincts right - and how".
His adventure
has settled down to a large enterprise. As MD of the group he now
oversees 18 pubs with the added benefit of a micro brewery, Castle
Rock.
The chain has
a loyal workforce and intends to keep on with a gentle expansion
to allow them to develop.
One development
is the expansion of the brewery from 30 to 100 gallons weekly.
This would allow the Vat and Fiddle pub in central Nottingham to
expand and customers to view the brewery working through a glass
partition.
Tynemill intend
to take a stall at the Nottingham Beer Festival under the guide
of Castle Rock and use the occasion to celebrate their success.
Cheers!
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