Staff

Having previously owned her own floristry business, Lindsey joined us in 1996 as a part-time person, but it very quickly became apparent that she was an absolute natural as a host and an operator - and within a very few years she became joint manager alongside Graham Arathoon, before becoming full manager in 2002. She somehow manages to juggle a busy family life while managing a hugely busy pub, but which function is easier is anybody’s guess.

Emma has been with us since 1999, and she is another who came for a casual job, just sort of stayed, and is now a manager. Being thoroughly local, she knows everyone in Gresford, and is always bright and breezy. Emma is a natural host, and is great at getting the party going and making sure that everyone is included.

James is a bit of a hip young gunslinger. He snowboards, mountain bikes and generally does all the stuff that makes life exciting. He finished his degree and went off travelling, spending four years running a busy bar off piste in France before realising that going to bed when the sun comes up could be bad for the constitution. Before joining us he’d just spent 18 months in Aus and New Zealand working in some great wineries and restaurants…overall, pretty much an ideal CV in our books.

Justin came to us from a successful career in the motor factoring business – it was successful, but it no longer floated his boat. He is a natural host and genuinely enjoys looking after people, dashing about the place in a whirlwind of enthusiasm. Justin is married with two children, and when he isn’t running around the pub, he runs up and down hills.

Our newest team member front of house, Sara is a star, and we feel like we’ve known her forever. After a long career in banking she decided it was time for a bit more fun and a change of pace. Having been a good customer for many years she decided to be brave and ask about a job, so we snatched her hand off and now she’s loving it. Running around the Pant all day really seems to suit her and as a bit of a foodie (having an Italian husband helps) she is now trying Pant recipes at home.

Dyfan came to us from the forces where he served for seven years, joining us in September 2008. He is the Pant party animal and came to us as a front of house person, but has had a change of heart and is now training to become a chef, so he frequently bobs into the kitchen to help out. His hobbies include playing the violin, cooking, and predictably, drinking real ale.

John has a faintly piratical look about him, and has got to head up the Pant kitchen crew by dedication and ability. Great on a night out, but get his taxi fare before the car leaves the station. He has seen it all, and some. A chef’s chef.

Rich has been with us since March 2009 but had previously worked here as an agency chef, so we knew his form. He's a gentle giant who tries to portray himself as a toughie but he just isn't - rather he looks after his fellow workers in the manner of a big brother. Rich is ambitious and is keen to have his own kitchen one day, which will surely come to pass. His hobbies include propping up the bar at Glasfryn, so he's a natural.

Rob is a bright young man who just about holds his own in the kitchen, although he’s discovered groovy bars in Manchester so he might go off the rails at any time. He is at college one day a week doing his NVQ level 1.

Daniel brings calm and serenity to a busy and hectic kitchen, like the still waters of a pond. He worked in a hotel in wild Scotland before moving with his girlfriend to Wrexham, and life is sweet.

Tom is one of our younger chefs but is very capable of holding his own in the kitchen. HIs major passions outside life at the pub include playing and supporting football, and like the rest of the crew, he's always up for having fun.

Rob is our baby in the kitchen and as he's the 2nd Rob he is affectionally known as "Baby Rob", which of course he loves. He has been with us since Oct 2008, and is a keen Blackburn supporter. Rob is quite sportif, and enjoys playing football as well as working out at the gym, playing tennis and shooting the odd game of pool.

Before joining our motley crew, Kim worked for two years at the Alyn pub in Rossett. She does enjoy the somewhat ‘boysy’ atmosphere in the kitchen, although she and Ceri form a formidable team when needed. She likes holidaying and spending time with friends – in other words, she likes not working.

Phil joined us at the same time as Kim, the two both having worked together at the Alyn pub in Rossett (so I bet we’re popular with them). He started in the world of catering doing a stint of work experience at the Lion Quays at Oswestry, where he did extremely well by all accounts. Phil is keen and enthusiastic, and likes football and socialising (where have I heard that before?).

Paula has certainly made an impact on the Pant - she is a lively and enthusiastic soul who keeps morale high and the atmosphere light. She is married to Brian and is mother to Rob who works in the kitchen – and its funny, but he’s suddenly turned into a polite, hard-working and conscientious young man. Maybe we all need our Mums around.

The quieter of the team, Chris is a gardener through and through, and is always planning and developing ideas for the next season. The gardens have been transformed since the boys arrived and we try hard to keep them happy, as customers (and the other pubs) try to poach them on a regular basis.

One half of our gardening duo, Tony is an absolute jewel who really is worth his weight in gold. He can turn his hand to anything and has become invaluable with his maintenance, building and decorating skills as well as his gardening. The Pant gardens have never looked so good. Tony is a family man with two lovely daughters.

Annie was born in St Andrews, Scotland, and has three children and five grand children. She is married to Gordon, has travelled the world with the Armed Forces, so is very worldly wise. Annie came back to the UK 15 years ago and opened her own business in Wrexham retailing wedding dresses.