Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...
Here is little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth read.
If you'd like to put a name to a face, allow us to introduce you to the crew...
Manager
Moving to chester when he was 18, Alan started his career working behind a cocktail bar and then went on to manage venues in the city centre. Alan started his B&P life at the Architect 5 years ago and is now heading up the team at Rake Hall. Alan's love for wine knows no boundaries (grapes are part of your five a day right?).
Deputy Manager
Ollie began his B&P venture scrubbing pots and pans at the Pant Yr Ochain, then went on to be senior glass collector before departing to the Grosvenor Arms to learn the rest of his tricks. Usually found whizzing around the pub keeping an eye on things. Big lover of boat shoes and beer.
Deputy Manager
Sam joins us from the Dysart Arms with plenty of mileage in the hospitality industry having started work at 15 and studying hospitality at college. Sam enjoys keeping fit and certainly makes sure he gets his steps in around the pub. When not in the pub Sam can be found walking the Cheshire trails with partner Selina and dog Fergus.
Deputy Manager
After 5 years at the Architect, and even more in hospitality in Chester city centre, Dan has decided to take on a new challenge at Rake Hall. In his spare time he’s a lover of Manchester United (but we won’t tell the locals that) city breaks with his girlfriend Lily and food and beer!
Assistant Manager
After moving to Chester for Uni and subsequently working his way around any country willing to give him a visa for the last 8 years (with a stint at the Architect in between trips) Sam has decided to return to his adopted home town and put down some roots. Though he isn’t quite ready to give up being a tourist just yet so uses his days off to visit all the breweries and distilleries he can find in his campervan. He also once deprived Michael Bublé of a Kangaroo. True story.
Assistant Manager
Born and raised in Cheshire Aimee has worked in the hospitality industry since landing her first job at 15. She has a passion for amazing food and wine and loves the atmosphere of going to see live music. Her friends would say she is the life and soul of the party and she can’t wait to join the team!
Admin Coordinator
With a love of good food and wine (of course) Katie has her dream job. Whether it's waiting tables or planning events, she loves it all. Katie has recently had a beautiful baby girl and taken some time out of work. She is looking forward to getting back to meeting amazing people and starting a new chapter of her career. Brunning and Price was where it all started 11 years ago so, she was over the moon when this opportunity came around. She can’t wait to get stuck into this new adventure.
Head Chef
Sam started his career in kitchens straight after leaving school, working in hotels and restaurants where he honed his skills and worked his way up through the ranks. Originally from the Isle of Wight, Sam has settled in Chester and has jumped at the chance of moving over from the Architect in Chester to head up our kitchen team and we couldn't be happier he chose Rake Hall to call home. When he's not cooking up a storm in the kitchen, he spends his time at the swimming pool.
Senior Sous Chef
From a young age Ben always enjoyed being in the kitchen so he started his career working in kitchens whilst going to catering college to advance his skills. Since qualifying as a professional chef, he has worked in some fine establishments in Chester where he's quickly moved up the chef ranks. When Ben's not working he is usually running around after his 2-year-old daughter Riley or enjoying a nice glass of red with his fiancé Kristie.
Sous Chef
Affectionately known as 'Foxy' by all and sundry, Foxy has been with the company since 1996. After a spell as a Chef de Partie in his early days at the Grosvenor Arms, Foxy hit the road in 1999 as a Roving Chef before putting his roots down at the Dysart Arms in Bunbury. We're delighted to have been able to persuade him to join us at Rake Hall. The Dysart's loss is definitely our gain.
Sous Chef
Meet Jimmy not James, unless you are his mother and he is in trouble. He has 20 years experience as a chef and still gets excited by it more and more everyday. He is a devoted father of two amazing little girls and when he has some time to himself he loves to go fishing and get out on the golf course.
Chef de Partie
Elektra changed her career path in 2019 when she decided to pursue her ambition to be a professional chef. Elektra has a real appetite for cooking and experimenting in the kitchen which is lucky for us as she brings with her a true zest for life and passion for new food adventures. In her spare time, Elektra enjoys the gym, theatre, eating out and hosting dinner parties as well as spending time with her many animals including competing with her dogs and horses. Busy, busy, busy is the word in Elektra's world.
