Opening thoughts

  • by Paul Johnson
  • 26 Dec, 2017

A post from December 2017

We are using this time over the festive season to try to work out what to do with The Horse and Jockey and what the community wants in its pub. The trouble with directly asking those currently using the pub what they are looking for, we'll just get SKY TV, free pool, cheaper drinks and bustier barmaids.

What was it Henry Ford said on the introduction of the Model T?
 'If I asked people what they wanted it would be a faster horse!'
Or as a wise man once said
'If you alway do what you always did, you'll get what you always got'
We have lost many local pubs because they just wern't being used as much as they used to, as those who frequented the Riflemans can testify. A much loved pub with good and well priced food, SKY TV, pool table and a well liked landlord and it still closed. And in the case of The Horse and Jockey that would be another removal van taking away the furniture of the another landlord or landlady who couldn't make it pay.

We feel the community want a place to meet with family and friends, wether it be a bite to eat or a swift half. So we are going to try a few new things...
The pool table is going making space for people to sit and eat or drink or whatever.
We are not going to worry about not having SKY Sports and so don't need to stock the over priced Doom Bar and Black Sheep to try to get the associated discount and cask prices go down.
We are going to re-invent, or at least reposition pub to the home cooked variety. Simple but fresh.
We will have a new coffee offer.
We are going to reduce the price of pop so if you do bring a little one in you can keep your shirt.
We will have cold food for those times we don't have the kitchen open and crisps won't do.

Wish us luck!
by Paul Johnson 22 July 2018
We are proud to announce that our first visit from the EHO is a fabulous 5 out of 5 or Very Good.

WE have brought our combined expertise to the small kitchen providing safe food for all.
by Paul Johnson 10 July 2018
We really are enjoying the World Cup at The Jockey.

It's been busy without being uncomfortable.  We haven't seen a yob yet? Bring it on.

People are really loving the Fan Zone' and watching in the sun!
by Paul Johnson 16 June 2018
All in aid of Teenage Support in Cheshire.

There will be cake..

...coffee and tea

...maybe even a drink or two

(updated photo)

by Paul Johnson 10 June 2018
Hey Guys.

Sorry about the rant but I can't help it.
We are very happy with the parents who bring their kids to The Horse and Jockey. It's a great place to socialise with others away from your home. We want you to be comfortable, so much so we have tried to make your stay that bit better with toys, books, games and coloring all readily available. 

We are not at all bothered about the few chips that drop on the floor, the spilled drink or the fall out with sibling over a shared ipad. We love it, just part of the daily tapestry of life. 

However there are a few that who just let their kids run riot. Oblivious to the chaos that is unfolding. Teenagers damaging things because they are bored, unattended toddlers wailing upsetting other tables and all the while the parent or parents merrily ordering another drink.

Some have been offended because we have said something, politely but firmly. 

by Paul Johnson 28 May 2018
It was with trepidation that we hosted our 1st Bank Holiday Hog Roast. We were worried that it wouldn't be a success.

We were confident in the team at Bit'er Sweet Hog as we have worked with Gary and Dee for many years. True professionals.
We were confident in the pork supplied by our friends at The Cheshire Butcher as I have work with them for nearly a decade.
We were sure the weather would be good.
We had the team about us to serve the drinks no matter how busy it got.

It was whether or not you the public would come. Have we done enough over the past few months for you to trust in such an event.

Well yes and no. We had enough that we broke even and created enough of a buzz that we are confident to do it again.
We have learned that 12pm on a Sunday isn't great for Cheshire so it'll be 3pm next time.
 
by Paul Johnson 24 May 2018
Well we've gone it!

We have signed a 5 year lease with Punch Taverns, so you are now stuck with us.
We can start the hard work in building this beautiful little pub back into a thriving hub of the community.

Will you help us? Tell people about the hard work already done. Invite a friend or friends for a coffee or harder drink.
Bring the family in for a meal.

See you in the pub 
by Paul Johnson 20 May 2018
We are excited to announce that the locally renowned chef, Ernst Van Zyl will holding Tasting Sessions every Saturday In June.

Please check social media for more details

 
by Paul Johnson 1 April 2018
This is good thing... Honest!

Once we have the family altogether then we'll have great food available daily as against just on a Sunday.
Paula is a great operator in her own right and when she joins forces with Paul then they become unstoppable.

SO its all good!
by Paul Johnson 4 March 2018
Lots to do! Spring cleaning the alfresco area ready for the Bank Hoiday later in the month
by Paul Johnson 11 February 2018
Sunday Roasts now available until 4 pm every Sunday.
We have Pork & Beef Available in small (£6.95), regular (£9.95) and large (£12.95)

No need to book just come along and grab a seat be the fire.
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