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.

Wes’s mother and father were both in the trade, so as long as he can remember he’s been embroiled in the mayhem of the catering industry. He started as a pot wash at 16 years old and worked through the ranks to become Food and Beverage manager in a “rite” large hotel. He came to the realisation that he was missing pubs and all their quirky ways, and is never happier than in the thick of the action on a busy Saturday night.

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.

Owen began his career at The Druid Inn before spending three years training at Carden Park Hotel. Having worked stints at The Living Room in Chester, he thought a spell on the cruise ships in sunny Scotland would be a treat, not realising that sea-sickness was part of the deal.

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).

Since joining the Armoury crew as a part-timer in June 2004 Tom, (aka the bear), has gone from strength to strength. He now works with us full time and is a key player in the kitchen. Watch out for paw prints in your food.

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.

Nicknamed “ASBO” by the crew, he is really really passionate about the three great loves of his life: cooking, dancing (urban street) and partying hard. ASBO has been following his love of food since leaving school, through college and to furthest parts of Italy, where he was a pastry chef for a few months to widen his experience. He even has pictures on his phone of all the dishes that he has ever made.

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.