We’re raring to go say landlords who instantly fell in love with pub
THE new landlords of a village pub that has continually opened and closed in recent years say they cannot wait to reopen their doors following a refurbishment.
Josh Halliwell and Kristina Sosinski will be taking the reins at The Cavendish Arms in Doveridge after leaving their jobs at the Saracen’s Head in Meir.
Josh, who has worked in pubs his entire life, has said he is raring to get going and welcome customers.
The 26-year-old former kitchen manager said: “I’ve worked at pubs all my life. As soon as I left school, I went and did an apprenticeship at a pub in Ashbourne. It’s all I have ever known.
“Both me and my business partner Kristina had been looking for our own place for about two years or so. I was working as the kitchen manager at the Saracen’s head and she was the Front manager.
“Kristina’s brother lives in
Doveridge and he told us that the sign was put up outside the pub showing it was looking for people to take it on.
“We saw the pub and we instantly loved it. In fact, I was the first person to enquire about becoming the publican there.
“They interviewed us and really liked what we had to say and what our ideas were for the pub going forward. They gave us the keys earlier this month and we cannot wait to get started.”
The new publicans have said that there is a lot of work to do on the premises. Josh added: “We want to make it the best we can make it for the locals. We are doing as much as we can to get it ready. I have made it very clear I do not want to open the doors to guests without it being 100 per cent ready.
“We want to make something great for the local community and make it a welcome space for families. I have a seven-year-old daughter called Amelia and I want to make it the best for her as I can.
“So when I am going about making the place up, I am thinking how can my daughter feel comfortable in this pub.
“I think, overall, the plan is to keep the feel of a local pub whilst making modern adjustments. So for example, we will be featuring some new and more obscure drinks. None of our local competitors will have this.
“We are also looking to get a barista coffee machine. We know about good food and beer. It is really nice but simple menu which we are still putting the final touches to.
“We will be using the best quality meat and maybe feature some entertainment. We have two beer gardens we are in the process of doing up.
“We have lots of exciting ideas in the pipeline. Everyone gets their one chance and this is ours.
“So many people in the area have been asking when the ‘Cav’ is coming back and we’re looking to get it open by the end of September.”