Macclesfield: New award for Sutton pub as publican celebrates second-anniversary in charge
A Macclesfield pub has won an award, just before the publican's second-year anniversary in charge.
Ye Olde King's Head Gurnett of Byron's Lane, Sutton, have won County Pub of the Season Summer 2023 award from the Campaign for Real Ale.
This will raise the profile of the pub in the local area, and across the country.
Best mates and business partners Paul Montegrande and Emily Taylor are the dynamic duo behind the pub.
They both met when Paul ran The Ship Inn in Wincle, with the current management taking on the pub in September 2021 from the late John Barlow.
"We have a really good mix of people here", said Paul.
"We have a good strong early doors local base of 50-60 locals who come here regularly across the week.
"Lots of families, lots of walkers and lots of dogs."
"We gets lots of walkers and holidayers because of the canal", said Emily.
"But we are nothing without our staff, the team make this pub. And people come here to support the team. If you read our reviews, it is always talking about the staff, their attentiveness, smiles and laughter."
"The amount of people coming to the pub has been excellent," added Paul.
"But the margins have been hard, given the cost of living crisis. But that being said, it pays the bills.
"We have a very successful pub quiz which we are very proud of as well."
"We've recently made big improvements to our outdoor area, with a decking area and tent. I'm very keen on making sure we have lots of plants and foliage, for a very 'hanging gardens of Babylon-look'.
"Inside, we have given it a new lick of paint to make it look more cosy and help with the traditional pub atmosphere.
"In the future, we'd like to add to the foundations that we have built, and John and Cath previously built.
"I'm a strong believer that you can't change a local pub too much, you add to the foundations that are already there that the community already know and love. We're a constitutional democracy, we rule by the locals.
"We want to put on more events and gigs, as well as do our bit for charity."
The pub raise funds for East Cheshire Hospice, who looked after the last landlord before he passed away.
A recent event saw Emily put in stocks and had a beery sponge thrown at her, all in the name of charity.
As they are a free house, they can support as many local breweries as they want. Further bolstering their status as a community pub.
They stock Beartown, Storm, RedWillow, Wincle, and Mobberley breweries on tap or in bottle. And have also stocked Bollington Brewing Co drinks in the past.
In total, they have over 14 drinks on tap.
They stock Macclesfield's Forest Gin and Thistle Gin too. There's even alcohol-free gin for any designated driver.
Hot dishes on their food menu includes lamb kofta, fish risotto and tempura prawns.
Pub classics such as scampi, gammon and a 14oz steak are also on offer.
"Our menu is good, traditional home-cooked comfort food," told Paul.
"Even with so many pubs being stretched with our costings, we have a specials board which is constantly changing on top of our regular menu."
This includes a curry of the week, burger of the week, and soup of the day.
"We put on lots of events. Times are hard, and you've got to capitalise on what you can," added Emily.
"And we are constantly debating in meetings on how we can keep things affordable.
"Our reviews echo that, you get a big plate with people saying 'you get a portion valued at what you pay for'.
"Thank you to the community, and beyond for their support."
Macclesfield: You can follow the pub on Facebook and Instagram.
Ye Olde King's Head Gurnett is located at Byrons Lane, Macclesfield SK11 0HD. Please note: Some satnavs may state that the pub is located at Bradley Smithy.
Macclesfield: Call 01625611444 to book a table.
See Also: New landlady and new menu at The Robin Hood Rainow
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