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
Alan has a rich background in various different locations in Chester. He brings his wealth of experience to Rake Hall and is always bringing a smile to the crews face! He has worked at a few of our pubs over the years with the biggest stint at the Architect in Chester. His love for a glass of wine or cider knows no boundaries - grapes and apples are one of your 5 a day? If you can't see Al it's due to the speed he moves through the pub, often leaving a blur in his wake.
Deputy 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!
Deputy 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.
Deputy Manager
Jack joins us from our sister pub the Cross Foxes in Erbistock. A B&P veteran, he started his time as a fresh faced 15 year old KP before climbing the ranks to Deputy Manager. When he's not behind the pumps, you'll either find him out on the golf course, walking his beautiful labrador Milo through the Cheshire wilderness, or propping our bar up, where he'll try to convince you that a glass of Picpoul de Pinet contains more philosophy than any good book ever could.
Assistant Manager
Growing up seeing both her parents run pubs it’s only fitting that Sam is happiest in what seems to be her natural habitat within Hospitality, it’s practically in her blood. She’s happy either side of the bar and is somewhat impartial to a chilled glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc or two. If it’s paired with good friends and sunshine even better!
Assistant Manager
Having spent 40 years on the other side of the bar, Tony decided to become a “poacher turned gamekeeper” and has been with us since we opened. Originally from Manchester, and yes he is a red, Tony now lives in Chester with his wife Helen and is father to three grown up kids. If anyone reading this is interested in a career in the hospitality industry, the only real training they’ll need, according to Tony, is to watch Fawlty Towers…….
Trainee Assistant Manager
Starting her B&P life at 18 at our sister pub, the Architect, Anna is well versed when it comes to hospitality! After growing up around plenty of dogs, she’ll most likely be the first to say hello to your furry friends. Her passion is for hosting, so if she’s not planning events, Anna is spending her spare time “cheese tasting”, drinking red wine and putting together grazing boards for herself and her partner Alex.
Supervisor
Harry has been with us from day one here at Rake Hall. He loves all things food and drinks, especially Guinness! You'll catch his attention with anything sports related, but his favourite is rugby which he plays and watches in his free time.
Harry originally joined us as a part-time job whilst he was in university, having found a love for hospitality and being behind the bar he has taken his first steps on the management ladder having recently being promoted to supervisor.
Supervisor
Dom started at Rake Hall just under a year ago, transferring from a customer service background. Primarily you can find him behind the bar or in the cellar, which he looks after, treating it with the love and care it requires! He thoroughly enjoy's the variety of beers we have, which has led him to subscribe to a craft beer group. Outside of work he is always on the search for new pubs/restaurants and beer.
Supervisor
Born and bred in Chester, Emma has worked for Brunning and Price since 2012. Starting off at the Architect before moving to the Morris Dancer, the call then came to join us here at Rake Hall in December 2021 where Emma has been since. Emma loves working busy shifts which gives her a chance to meet and chat to new faces.
When Emma isn't working she likes a night out, dancing the night away with fruity cider (or three).
Supervisor
Meg began her B&P journey here with us at Rake Hall when we first opened our doors. After working in this industry for 12 years she has a passion for all things food and drink, spiced rum with ginger beer being one of her favourites. Coming from a family of chefs, hospitality is part of her DNA.
Supervisor
John joined our team a year ago, since then he has found a love for pub life. He’s a keen runner who spends most of his past time running in different events. You will often see him dancing around the pub. John loves our steak burger, he will be sure to make you try it.
Host
Our fabulous host Rhian will often be the first face you see. If she's not speeding round the pub or taking you to your table, Rhian is likely drinking Peroni with her husband Johnny or out on an adventure with her two beautiful children and honorary pub dog, Weston.
Bar/Waiting
After 21 years in the hairdressing business it was time for a change of career. Louise made the big move to the Rake Hall when we first opened and she hasn't looked back since . She loves the fast pace of the hospitality industry and getting to know and meet new people on a daily basis. It's also a family affair as her daughter decided to come on board for her first job.
Senior Sous Chef
David has been on a journey with us since 2005 after joining the Cross Foxes as Head Chef. When his time at the Cross Foxes came to an end, we were delighted to have him on board here at Rake Hall. He is a keen music lover and spends his free time with his wife Claire singing and dancing to concerts across the country (probably with a Guinness to hand).
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
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.
Junior Chef de Partie
Alex has been with us since the start in 2021. He has since found his passion and climbed the ranks to Junior Chef de Partie. If he's not preparing the crispy beef salad with every last detail, you will find him watching his beloved Tranmere or walking his dog Brady.
Commis Chef
Tom has been with us since we opened in 2021 he enjoys chatting with customers and a good session IPA. Tom loves to talk about sports and can be seen on the weekends doing anything outdoors.
Cleaner
Tracy has been with us since day one, and is always a ray of sunshine in the pub, even if it's a particularly early morning. When she's not making the pub sparkle, she enjoys coarse fishing, taking in the odd gig, as well as attending a local Comicon.
