Landlord returns to village

A PUB landlord will return to his old stomping ground when he takes over the Admiral Rodney in Prestbury.

Geoff Leigh-Ford and his wife Gill, who own the 15th century West Arms Hotel near Oswestry in North Wales, used to run Thymes Bistro together and Geoff owned the White House between 1978 and 1985, as well as the Flutters.

And now Gill, 57, who was born in Prestbury and went to Macclesfield High School for Girls, and Geoff, will come back to the place they have fond memories of.

The father-of-four, 69, who has an impressive half a century of experience in the industry, said: “We know a lot of people in the village so hopefully some of our regulars from back then will pay us a visit.

“When I was at Thymes we used to have all the footballers in – Eric Cantona, former Manchester City captain Keith Curle and Mark Hughes.

“I expect we’ll see some celebrities at the Admiral Rodney too.”

But the couple say they do not have any major changes planned for the popular pub when they take over the reins next month.

Geoff said: “We are going to keep it pretty much as it is, as Peter and Gail Brady have done a good job of running it.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to coming back to Prestbury as I’m a northern lad.

“We love running pubs as we have always got on with people very well.”