At Cheshire Cat Pubs, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our guest experience, and our recent Low & No Alcohol Training Session is a perfect example of that commitment. Last week, we brought together all of our Beer, Spirit, and Wine Champions for a day packed with learning, tasting, and collaboration.

The session, designed to prepare our teams for the festive season and Dry January, focused on equipping them with expert knowledge about some fantastic low and no-alcohol options. We were thrilled to host an incredible line-up of suppliers who shared their products and insights. The session gave our champions a chance to deep dive into the production processes, flavour profiles, and perfect serves for some of our incredible products – Wild Idol, Zonin, Lucky Saint, Guinness Zero, Seedlip, Tanqueray 0.0, Captain Morgan Zero and Everleaf. More importantly, it highlighted how much care and thought goes into creating these drinks, ensuring our teams can share that passion with our guests.

For our designated drivers, guests cutting back over Christmas, or anyone joining the Dry January movement, we’re ready to provide exceptional, thoughtful drink options. This training helps us ensure that every guest feels considered and catered to, no matter their preferences. Our champions left the session energised, knowledgeable, and eager to pass on what they’ve learned to their teams. This knowledge will elevate the guest experience in all our pubs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festive season with an outstanding drink in hand.

We’re proud of the hard work our champions put in and grateful to the amazing suppliers who helped make it happen. Stay tuned for more updates as our teams continue to raise the bar in delivering exceptional experiences. Cheers!

At Cheshire Cat Pubs, our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and this year’s Big Green Plate-Off Challenge was no exception. This exciting event brought together our pub teams, from food champions to chefs, as we worked to create delicious dishes that align with our ethos of “Fresh, Seasonal, Local.” The challenge not only showcased culinary creativity but also strengthened our ties with local suppliers, and helped foster teamwork across our pubs.

A special shoutout goes to our incredible vegetable supplier, Oliver Perry’s of Holmes Chapel, who made this challenge possible. Working closely with their local farmers, Graham and Roy, we were able to incorporate the freshest produce into our dishes. From root vegetables and brassicas grown at Graham’s farm to the vibrant tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers from Roy’s fields, every ingredient used reflected the very best of our local harvest.

Our chefs and food champions took their learning from the Local Grower’s Day to heart, bringing their newfound knowledge back to the kitchen to craft dishes that emphasised sustainability. It’s been incredible to see their enthusiasm and creativity grow, as they experimented with eco-friendly cooking techniques and seasonal ingredients. Front and back of house teams worked together to bring the dishes to life and educate our guests on the importance of locally sourced, sustainable produce. The energy and pride from each pub were palpable, and the competition not only sparked a healthy rivalry but also motivated the teams to learn, grow, and share their newfound skills.

It’s clear that this initiative has laid the groundwork for even more sustainable practices moving forward. Thank you to everyone who took part and to Oliver Perry’s for providing such incredible produce, which allowed us to showcase the very best of Cheshire in our kitchens. Here’s to many more collaborations as we continue to strengthen our “Fresh, Seasonal, Local” approach!

At Cheshire Cat Pubs, we believe that a little fun, learning, and team bonding go a long way! Over the past few weeks, our Head Chefs and General Managers have been on some exciting trips that are all about more than just good food and drink (though we definitely enjoyed plenty of that!). It’s about building a stronger, closer team that can bring even more energy and creativity to our pubs. Let’s dive into what we’ve been up to lately…

Vineyard Adventures in Mallorca!

First up, Tim and Mary whisked our Head Chefs away to Mallorca, where they explored the beautiful vineyards of Macia Batle and sipped their way through some fine wines in the quaint town of Biniali. The trip was filled with great food, incredible wine, and plenty of laughs. But it wasn’t just about indulging—it was a chance for our chefs to step away from the kitchen, share ideas, and find inspiration that they can bring back to their teams and menus.

Porto Fun for the General Managers!

Meanwhile, our General Managers were treated to an unforgettable adventure in Porto! After visiting the Douro valley, sipping Alvarinho and Vinho Verde, and enjoying the rich flavors of the region, they headed to the city for a night of dancing and good times. The next day, they toured Graham’s Port house in Vila Nova de Gaia, where they experienced an incredible array of ports. This trip wasn’t just about soaking up the culture (though that was a huge perk!)—it was about recharging and returning to the pubs with fresh ideas and motivation.

Why We Do It

At Cheshire Cat Pubs, team building and ongoing education are at the heart of what we do. Trips like these bring our teams closer, creating bonds that make for a happy, motivated workplace. Whether it’s learning about wine or just enjoying each other’s company, these experiences help us grow stronger together, and that translates directly to what we do every day—making our pubs places of warmth, creativity, and fantastic hospitality.

A huge thank you to all old friends and new friends we made along the way, including Adam and Shaun from Boutinot wines, Bernardo and his father Louis at Vila Nova, who welcomed us into their home, and of course, thanks to Anthony Symington for showing us around Graham’s and treating us to an amazing tasting.

So, whether you’re a guest stopping in for a pint or someone thinking about joining our family, know that here, it’s not just a job—it’s a place where we learn, grow, and have a great time doing it.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Cheshire Cat Pubs, we are delighted to share the ongoing success of our ground-breaking ‘Champions Programme.’ Tailored to enhance every aspect of our guest experience, this initiative has become a cornerstone of our commitment to excellence.

Meet our formidable ‘Food Champions,’ ‘Beer Champions,’ ‘Spirit Champions,’ and ‘Wine Champions’ – the dynamic force propelling our dedication to exceptional customer service and unrivalled product knowledge.

The Journey: In recent months, our champions embarked on a series of captivating educational adventures, venturing on group trips to local suppliers. These outings were not merely recreational; they played a pivotal role in deepening their understanding of specific domains, underscoring our dedication to sourcing FRESH – SEASONAL – LOCAL ingredients whenever possible. 

Collaborative Learning: Interactive training sessions took centre stage, creating an environment where knowledge flowed freely, and skills were refined. Armed with newfound expertise, our champions are now better equipped to lead and inspire their teams across various pubs in Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Impact Beyond the Pub: The influence of our Champions Programme reaches far beyond the walls of our pubs. Our champions have returned to their respective locations as knowledge beacons, sharing insights and passion with their teams. This ensures that every guest receives impeccable service and well-informed recommendations.

Celebrating Excellence: As we toast to the success of this program, we also raise a glass to the dedication and enthusiasm of our champions. Their commitment to raising the bar serves as a shining example for our entire team.

A Heartfelt Thank You: A heartfelt thank you to our incredible champions, whose passion and dedication transform Cheshire Cat Pubs into an extraordinary space. Together, we’re not just serving food and drinks; we’re crafting memorable experiences for our guests.

Stay Tuned: As we continue to innovate and elevate the pub experience, stay tuned for more exciting updates on our journey of continuous improvement.