Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise division of Greene King, has celebrated the 30th anniversary of one of its Partners.
Gerry McGrath has run The Poachers in Bedwell Crescent, Stevenage, since 1993 and is thought to be the longest serving pub landlord in the town.
Originally from Sligo in Ireland, he left home in 1989 at the age of 22 for a holiday in England and never returned, eventually taking on The Poachers just a few years later.
During his 30 years of tenure, Gerry has turned The Poachers into a popular community pub loved and renowned by locals in the area.
The pub is famous for its darts and pool teams, sports coverage, live music and charity fundraisers – all in aid of local charities.
Gerry’s close friendships with numerous regulars at the pub also make it stand out. He even met his partner, Lucy, at The Poachers.
In recognition of Gerry’s 30 years at The Poachers – as well as his commitment to the local community – Greene King Pub Partners Managing Director Dan Robinson presented him with a specially made plaque to display at The Poachers.
Gerry McGrath, licensee for The Poachers, said:
“I am very honoured to have received this plaque in recognition of my 30 years at The Poachers.
“The community has always been at the heart of what I do. I’d like to especially thank the local community who welcomed me with open arms all those years ago, as well as my customers, staff and Greene King for their support over the years.
“Here’s to many more happy years!”
Dan Robinson, Managing Director of Greene King Pub Partners, said:
“I am delighted to recognise Gerry’s incredible 30 years operating The Poachers. What he has done at The Poachers is the epitome of what a local, community pub is all about. I am proud to call him our Partner and look forward to many more years of success together!”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Press Contact: Nick Lawrie Email: NickLawrie@greeneking.co.uk Tel: 07812 256245
About Greene King:
Greene King is the country’s leading pub company and brewer with c.2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland.
At Greene King we are passionate about delivering our purpose to ‘pour happiness into lives’. That’s for our customers, our team, our pub partners, our suppliers and the communities in which we live, operate and serve. Founded in 1799 with offices in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk and Burton on Trent in Staffordshire we employ around 39,000 people across the group with four divisions: Greene King pubs, Destination Brands, Partnership and Ventures, and Brewing & Brands.
- Greene King pubs are located where people and communities come together; pubs enjoyed in cities, towns and villages throughout the country
- Destination Brands is a mixture of food and drink-led brands including Hungry Horse, Farmhouse Inns, Chef & Brewer, Wacky Warehouse, and Pub & Carvery, Pub & Dining and Pub & Grill
- Partnerships & Ventures which includes our tenanted and leased pubs and Hive Franchise pubs under Pub Partners and our Ventures Brands which is made up of Metropolitan Pub Company, Hickory’s, Hotels Group and Crafted Pubs
Brewing & Brands covers the brewing sides of the business. Quality ales are brewed at the Westgate brewery in Bury St Edmunds and the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar. Our industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker and Belhaven Best with a range of additional premium beers and seasonal ales
About Greene King Pub Partners:
Greene King Pub Partners operates over 1000 leased, tenanted and franchise pubs across England, Scotland and Wales with independent business partners. In March 2023 it was recognised as the best leased and tenanted pub company at the Publican Awards, the 6th time Greene King Pub Partners has won the national industry award.
Press Contact: Nick Lawrie Email: NickLawrie@greeneking.co.uk Tel: 07812 256245
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