Meet the faces running your local pub

We think you’ll agree that behind every great pub is a great team of hard-working people, creating a local hub for all ages to enjoy. Pubs are primarily about people; a place to catch-up, socialise, share happy news, get things off your chest… you name it!

We’ve had a few changes to our team recently here at The Royal Exchange, so we thought you might like to get to know us a little better.

So first… let’s meet Amy, our new Pub Manager

Amy recently joined us to head up the team at The Royal Exchange. With many years of experience, Amy knows just how important the local pub is to the community and we encourage you all to introduce yourself to her when you next visit.

So how did you start out in the pub business?
‘I started out in the industry when I was 15, working for Best Western hotels. I then went to Portsmouth University to study Hospitality Management and worked at a number of establishments including La Tasca and Brasserie Blanc, where I gradually worked my way up to become General Manager. My ultimate career highlight so far is meeting Raymond Blanc and staying at the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’saisons.’

What excites you most about managing the Royal Exchange?
I’m looking forward to being part of the Red Mist group and heading up a successful pub that’s a vital part of the local community. I’m excited to continue to create a pub that feels warm and welcoming to everyone, young and old.

Amy, if you could invite anyone in the world to come and dine at the pub, who would it be?
I am in love with the 40s era, so definitely Dame Vera Lynn; the forces sweetheart.

Just as important as the Front of House team is the Back of House members; the faces that people are less familiar with but still play an incredibly important part in ensuring your enjoyment when visiting us. In the kitchen, we have a dynamic duo in Nat and Tom whose passion for cooking and flavours is shown through our seasonal menus.

What made you both become chefs?

Nat – “I started Hotel and Restaurant Management in college back in my home country, the Philippines. I just realised one day I am enjoying watching cooking programs, my mum was so happy about my interest in cooking and so persuaded me to become a chef and I ended up working as a chef in the same hotel where she worked as a manager.”

Tom – “I began my career working front of house in a hotel but I wanted a different challenge so I asked my manager if I could work in the kitchen. I thoroughly enjoyed it and stayed in the kitchen as a commis chef and worked my way up. I then joined Red Mist Leisure, here at The Royal Exchange as a Chef de Partie and have recently been promoted to Junior Sous Chef.

Nat, if you could cook for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would like to cook for the Queen of England so she can see how good Filipino chefs are!

Tom, do you have a favourite ingredient to work with?
My favourite ingredient to work with is duck. It’s a really nice meat to work with, packed full of flavour and generally works with most other ingredients when a dish is put together.

Who’s your favourite celebrity chef?
Heston Blumenthal. The chemistry and flamboyancy that he puts into his cooking is incredible. He encourages all chefs to be inventive and artistic in our trade.

So now that you know us a little bit better, pop into the pub and introduce yourself to Amy and try one of Nat and Tom’s delicious dishes off our menu or daily specials board. We welcome feedback and take all comments on board, so if you feel you have anything to share with us, take our short survey here.