Staff

Anga came to the Armoury after a year or so at Harkers, where she was part of the driving force that put their turnover through the roof. Previous to that, she was the deputy at Glasfryn, so she knows a thing or two about high turnovers. Sparky and sassy, she's good in a room (as they say), and is usually the last one standing when the going gets tough.

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. He's currently running the Armoury while Anga's on maternity leave.

Emily's family have had pubs in and around Birmingham and Shropshire for years, so she's no stranger to a barrel of beer. She studied Drama and English lit at De Monfort University in Leicester, and is a ballroom and latin dance expert to boot. She has a passion for fine wine and vodka (not necessarily mixed), has a filthy laugh, and works like a Trojan.

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.

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).

Big Ben hails from The Grosvenor Hotel in Chester. He is originally from Gresford and has a real passion for good food. Ben will travel far and wide to spend time sampling new restaurants. He has a very low voice and can be often heard singing away to his favourite pop star Kylie Minouge. For such a tall man he has dainty doll like feet.

Gareth is a local lad who has spent his life cheffing in pubs around the town, though he’s not looked back since joining the Armoury engine room. He enjoys football and computer games and shows his sensitive side by looking after rabbits and straightening his hair for nights out on the town.

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.

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.