Staff

Married to Wendy, with three kids; Nicola, Kaylee & Charlotte, all girls (strangely enough). His family have been involved with pubs for generations, with his grandfather and father both in the biz. Jon has been with Brunning & Price for many years, having joined as a starry-eyed young spark from Boddingtons. He went to work for Gary at the Grosvenor for four years then opened the Cross Foxes before moving to launch the Combermere. After a few balmy years in the country (click on his image) he decided the bright lights of the city were just the thing, so he upped sticks and came to the Armoury.

Denise is one of the original crew who opened The Armoury in March 1996, but actually she has been with the company since the year dot in various capacities. Denise lives in Shrewsbury with her husband Eugene, who is another Brunning and Price legend.

Jess (aka Jeff) has limitless enthusiasm for pubs and loves the "craik". After five years as a casual here she went to Aberstywyth, but it didn't gel and she was easily persuaded back into the fold here at the Armoury. Jess is insanely passionate about all things foodie and loves the whole beer and wine thing, and is truly at her happiest with a large bucket of red or a gallon of beer in her hand, talking about where she has just been to eat, and flicking ferociously through her notes of previous gastronomic conquests. She is a pub nerd.

Wade is a South African by descent, who emigrated to blighty, fell in love with the lie of the land and now lives the dream here in sunny Shrewsbury. He’s one of those guys that every pub needs: he’s dependable, reliable, and a real rock - rockier than Table Mountain, actually. Wade in the past has run some award wining pubs in Bristol, but favours the quieter life here at the Armoury.

Having lived in the Highlands for 12 years whilst owning a restaurant and B & B, Sea (or is it Che?) moved to Hampshire and managed a pub there for a further two years. He brings a wealth of knowledge and tasting experience with him and his knowledge of beers is legendary. To keep his palate in top condition, Sea enjoys golf and country walks.

Born in Surrey and brought up in Hampshire, Claudia is a qualified nurse and has been at the Armoury since 1999, working mainly lunchtimes. Despite her demure and sophisticated appearance, Claudia is a hard-core biker chick and cruises the highways with her husband on a 1200 cc Bandit.

Andy is something of a company war horse- he has now worked in three kitchens and been with the company for 12 years. He has two boys and has been married for 14 years, and claims to have few interests that aren’t Xbox, music and beer related.

Jon first took Phil on at the Grosvenor in 1996, when he was a fresh faced catering college student and Jon still hadn't reached his mid-life crisis. Since then Phil has gained some serious stripes at some busy busy places. He is only happy when he's prepped up to the ceilings, so he is perfect for life at the Armoury, where we need all the prep we can get.

Adrian came to us from Est Est Est in 2000 as a junior sous chef, and has proved a valuable and very jolly member of the crew. Known as 'Curly' because he isn't. He is married with four children and has joined a gym (which is not the same as actually going to a gym).

Sim has been cheffing since 1999, although he was in the kitchens of the Lion Hotel in Shrewsbury in a variety of roles for 14 years – an industry record. He is a computer games nutter, mountain biker and – joy of joys – doesn’t like footie.

Peter came from a busy place in Telford so is used to the cut and thrust of a full-throttle kitchen. He is a bit of a muso and plays in a band, and has recently laid down some tracks which he is very pleased with. His ambition is to learn to skydive.

Noel is a speed demon and walks around the pub very quickly indeed. He is really into his music and when he’s not at the Armoury he can be seen in the mosh pit of various gigs. He’s quite partial to the odd pint but his real passion is a nice iced bun.

Connie started at the Armoury in April 1999 and since then she has become an integral part of the maintenance and kitchen crew. She has a passion for anything from Laura Ashley and regularly brings chocolate biscuits to work with her in the mornings - so is a very popular member of staff.

Annie has been connected to the Armoury for many years and decided that she will never leave.....or she assures me. The third part of a dynamic cleaning duo, she is only happy when sitting on the buffer. She's a real grafter and looks spritely even when she's had a real beasting on washup.