Staff

Ian started life at the Pant in 1995, for heaven's sake. He originally joined us as a washer-up in the kitchen, and he's stuck with it ever since, working in his vacations from a hospitality degree at Birmingham University. Ian is a keen singer, being a bit of a star baritone with the Rhos Male Voice Choir, and is a complete foodie and wino (winie?). So, from KP to Manager - good going Ian.

Helen has had her hand on the pumps at the Cross Foxes since 2000, and despite an honorable 'Desmond' studying law, has decided to go for a First studying alcohol and extreme socialising. She has a healthy but slightly disturbing obsession with "Brasso", blue vinyl gloves and the polishing of bar pumps.

John, aka the Hibbster, is a star find for us, and we managed to poach him from the Pant after a very successful couple of years there. He is a part-time fireman, but assures us he’s not “on call” when he’s with us. John has lived and worked in pubs from the tender age of 12, so knows his way around a bar.

Matt joined ‘team Foxes’ in spring 2008 from a back ground in large retail companies, namely Tesco and Co-op. He would admit to being a bit corporate to begin with and wasn’t comfortable unless he was clutching a clip board, but he's turned a corner and is now thoroughly chilled out, but enthusiastic. He can’t wait to finish his degree to really get his teeth stuck in. One to watch.

Lynn has been with us since the opening day of the pub. She likes to drink spritzers or the occasional gin and lager (mixed). She enjoys reading, gardening, doing crossword puzzles and eating out. As well as the longest serving member of staff she is also a devout regular in the pub, a crucial link to the Erbistock grape vine and an all round pillar of the community. Lynn definitely takes genuine interest and concern in everyone and is the true “Mum” of the team.

Steve is originally from Bognor Regis but moved up here after university in Manchester. He worked at the Chester Grosvenor for over a year but realised that formal service was not his style and much preferred the relaxed pub environment, and particularly enjoyed his visits to the Cross Foxes – the rest is history. Steve is a big fan of most sports but takes a particular interest in football and ladies tennis - his favourite club is Portsmouth and he is a devote member of the Anna Kournikova fan club. His hobbies include drinking lager, avoiding housework and rebuilding a rusty old mini that he keeps in the garage – he's a man’s man.

David came to us from Bodidris Hall where he worked for some eight years. He originates from Nantes in France and moved to Britain in 1994. He has since married Claire who is mother to his beautiful little girl Ebony. David enjoys music and films and spending quality time with his family.

Nick is from Blackburn originally and is an avid Rovers fan. Previous jobs include working as a chef in Switzerland, Sous chef at the BBC in Cardiff and cheffing at Wentworth Golf club - the latter was where he met his wife Nikki – she was the pastry chef. In his spare time Nick is a keen Ten Pin bowler and enjoys listening to a variety of rock music, much to David’s delight - they share the same dreadful taste.

Ben has been in the company for a number of years now, having started as a trainee at the Pant Yr Ochain. He was thrown in at the deep end of catering, having now worked in two of the busiest kitchens in North Wales, but he is a cool customer under stress and should go far.

Dan is a local lad, coming from just down the road in Marchwiel. He started life at the Cross Foxes as a part-time KP to earn a bit of extra pocket money but we spotted he had talent. In his spare time Dan enjoys listening to music and strumming on his bass guitar. He is also a keen fisherman and his biggest catch so far has been a 13lb mirror carp.

Mike came to us after a period as a Nursing Assistant on the psychiatric ward in Wrexham. He has an interest in what he likes to call music (Take That, Westlife?) and is a keen guitar player. He's also a keen biker, but seems to spend as much time pushing his bike to the local garage as riding it.

Russell joined us in May of 2008. He was a star find. Russell saw Ian’s advert on the board in the pub and fitted the criteria like a glove. He is ready and willing to turn his hand to really anything, which just what you want in 'a man about the place'. Russell knows everybody in the village, and in fact maintains half the gardens in the area. He has painted the exterior of the pub from top to bottom, which is a real credit too him, so PJ has set him painting the interior next, much to Russell's delight – not!

Adriana is originally from the Slovac Republic and moved to the beautiful area of Ellesmere to live with her partner Richard. She joined in October 2004 and at the same time started a Law degree at Wolverhampton University, which she’s hoping to finish some time in the next 20 years. She enjoys going to the gym in her spare time and having long, hot showers.