On a crisp Monday morning, undeterred by the gentle rain, the Cheshire Cat Chef Academy embarked on a flavourful journey to Old Trafford Cricket Ground. The destination? The Wellocks Chef and Producer Show 2023, a realm of culinary inspiration and a haven for those seeking to delve into the artistry behind exceptional ingredients.

The experience was not just a feast for the senses but a unique opportunity for our dedicated chefs to connect with the passionate minds behind the produce that graces the tables across our pubs. Engaging in conversations with those who cook, craft, and create with an unmatched zeal, our chefs gained invaluable insights into the intricate world of culinary craftsmanship.

This venture beyond the kitchen walls serves as a testament to our commitment to Chef Academy’s ethos—a commitment that extends beyond the confines of our pubs. As our brilliant young chefs immersed themselves in this showcase of culinary excellence, they discovered a wealth of inspiration and ideas that will soon find their way to a pub near you.

The Wellocks Chef and Producer Show not only broadened the palette but also fuelled the fires of creativity within our chefs. This hands-on experience is a vital component of our training and development program, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. By staying attuned to industry trends, engaging with local producers, and embracing fresh and seasonal produce, our chefs are not just cooking; they are crafting culinary experiences that elevate the dining journey for our patrons.

Today marks a significant milestone as we raise a toast to our exceptional Head Chef, Andy, commemorating his 12-year journey with Cheshire Cat Pubs. Andy stands as a dedicated, genuine, and all-round ACE chef, consistently raising the bar and elevating the spirits of everyone at The Bull’s Head.

In reflecting on his time with Cheshire Cat Pubs, Andy shared 12 reasons that capture the essence of his deep connection with our establishments:

1. The People: The team at The Bull’s Head is not just a workforce; it’s a family, fostering a genuine and supportive environment.
2. Autonomy in Creativity: Cheshire Cat Pubs provide chefs like Andy the freedom to create their own dishes, source new ingredients, and build relationships with local suppliers.
3. Thriving Atmosphere: The Bull’s Head, led by General Managers Andy and Steph, is known for its unrivaled hospitable atmosphere, drawing in crowds and keeping a high tempo.
4. Owners’ Commitment: Tim and Mary, the owners, consistently strive for great results while ensuring each team member feels significant and valued.
5. Work/Life Balance: Andy attests to achieving the right work/life balance, thanks to compromise and collaboration with the brigade.
6. Picturesque Location: The Bull’s Head’s picturesque setting adds a special touch to the overall experience.
7. Appreciation & Recognition: Personalized gestures, from a thank-you note after a busy week to birthday gifts, highlight the owners’ genuine care for their team.
8. Motivating Tips: Financial rewards provide a significant motivation factor, ensuring top-notch quality in every dish.
9. Loyal Locals: The pub’s genuinely nice guests appreciate the staff’s efforts, making The Bull’s Head a home away from home.
10. Fresh Produce Commitment: Cheshire Cat Pubs’ dedication to using fresh, locally sourced produce plays a pivotal role in developing highly talented and motivated chefs.
11. Trust: The importance of trust is emphasized, allowing Head Chefs the freedom to execute their vision and decision-making with confidence.
12. Community Collaboration: Regular day trips and meals with other Head Chefs across the group foster idea-sharing and strategic alignment.

As Andy reflects on his journey, he is just one example of the many incredible individuals who contribute to making Cheshire Cat Pubs truly exceptional. Indeed, great people make great pubs – a timeless truth that resonates through our commitment to internal growth, recognizing the value of each team member, and celebrating collective success.

Another successful charity event to honour our summer charity challenge of Around the World in 80 Days with Cheshire Cat Pubs. Riders raised £510 on the day which will be equally divided between our two chosen charities, Action Against Hunger and Hospitality Action. The riders travelled from The Church Inn to The Cholmondeley Arms and then onto Staffordshire to our pubs The Fitzherbert Arms and The Mainwaring Arms, they then travelled back into Cheshire to The Three Greyhounds Inn, ending at The Roebuck Inn and The Bull’s Head for a well-deserved pint and a burger. The rained stayed away and the teams across all our pubs welcomed the cyclists with nibbles and drinks. We were delighted that everyone raised to the challenge and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next year. A big thank you goes to Boutinot wines and Adam Youds for organising such a successful event

This week the teams across our 7 pubs took part in a fun, yet competitive 5-a-side tournament at Wilmslow Phoenix Sports Club in Styal to increase their steps and raise money for our summer charity challenge of Around the World in 80 days with Cheshire Cat Pubs. We raised money from our two chosen charities; Hospitality Action and Action Against Hunger, through cash donations and our Just Giving pages. If you would like to donate too, please visit https://bit.ly/3ugWc2p and https://bit.ly/3y1Ju8M

Well done to everyone who participated, it was great to see the girls joining in and everyone enjoying themselves outside of work, a little bit of competition never hurt anyone! Massive congratulation to The Fitzherbert Arms team for their impressive win and a massive thanks to Hofmeister Beer for the much needed, refreshing full-time beers.  A great day had by everyone!

Next up…. the 7 pub bike ride challenge! If you think you can handle it email adamy@boutinot.com for register your interest

Our first charity event was a success with a great turn out! We walked from The Fitzherbert Arms and The Mainwaring Arms and explored some beautiful Staffordshire countryside along the way., It was so lovely to have the team and the local community join us, even though it was bright and early on a Sunday morning. The weather held off and we were accompanied by many dogs who and our fabulous Assistant Manager of The Mainwaring Arms, Sophie, lead the way in style!

We raised money from our two chosen charities; Hospitality Action and Action Against Hunger, through cash donations and our Just Giving pages. If you would like to donate too, please visit https://bit.ly/3ugWc2p and https://bit.ly/3y1Ju8M

Next up we have a walk across the beautiful Cheshire country visiting our three Mobberley pubs of The Bulls’ Head, The Roebuck Inn and The Church Inn on Sunday 31^st July from 10am. To register your interest email jennifer@cheshirecatpubsandbars.co.uk or ask a member of the team at any one of our pubs

There’s plenty of events planned over the summer, keep your eyes posted on your emails, our website, social media and in our pubs for more information!

From Friday 1st July Cheshire Cat are fundraising for Hospitality Action and Action Against Hunger – two charities very close to our hearts. We’re getting each of our 7 pubs to track their team’s daily steps to see if we can travel the circumference of earth over the next 80 days

SO THAT’S 93,890 per pub, per day – CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! 

How can you get involved?

There will be lots of fun activities and fundraising events for customers to get involved in throughout the summer, across at all our pubs. Join us for fun walks, bike rides, five-a-side football and much more! Keep up to date on social media and our websites and

for information about how you can get involved please ask a team member.

Our chosen charities:

Hospitality Action Hospitality is a stressful industry, with long hours, high pressure environments and physically demanding work. Injuries, mental health problems and addiction are sadly a feature of modern life in the hospitality trade. That’s where Hospitality Action steps in. They work to provide hospitality workers with financial, physical and psychological support to help them overcome adversity and get back to work as quickly as possible 

Action Against Hunger We have enough food to feed everyone on earth yet 3 billion people can’t get the food they need. Poverty, conflict and inequality keep life-giving food out of reach. Action Against Hunger are dedicated to providing children with the nutrition they need to fulfil their potential and make a lasting change in their community. They do this by detecting, treating and preventing malnutrition in children so they can regain their health and build a better future. 

How can you donate?

Please spread the word to friends, family and customers. Visit our Just Giving Pages on Hospitality Action https://bit.ly/3ugWc2p

and Action Against Hunger https://bit.ly/3y1Ju8M

Alternatively, there will be donation boxes across all the pubs and at our fundraising events to drop off cash

The Roebuck Inn in Mobberley, has donated £1,000 to the local village church after being shortlisted in the Community Hero category at the 2021/22 Great British Pub Awards.

The funding has come from category sponsor Coca-Cola, which has given money to all six shortlisted pubs, to help them continue with the community work that got them to the final.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Roebuck Inn owners Tim Bird and his wife and business partner Mary McLaughlin, wanted to help their local community, so they set up the Mobberley Pub Hub, with two team members, to provide a safe haven where people could come and collect takeaway food and much more.

The service was extremely popular and grew from grocery boxes and freshly prepared meals to heat at home, to a ‘shrub hub’ selling plants and the creation of a ‘Hub’ shop, that featured local produce and wine, which still exists today.

Now restrictions have eased, the Roebuck Inn team are looking for new ways to keep helping the community. Attention has turned to Mobberley Parish Church, St. Wilfrid’s, which has also played a crucial role in keeping people connected throughout the pandemic.

In 2021 the church purchased a property in the village centre to provide a safe space for local people to come together. The property, now called The Beacon, recently opened to the public.

There are plans to install a community café and run a parents and tots group, a dementia choir, a homework club, a men’s mental health group and a youth drop-in facility.

Tim Bird, Co-Owner of The Roebuck Inn commented: “We are immensely grateful for the recognition we have received through the Great British Pub Awards and from Coca-Cola. Our team work tirelessly for the good of the Roebuck and our local community, and we could not be prouder of them.

“The donation from Coca-Cola will go to our beloved Mobberley Parish Church and its Reverend, Ian Blay. The church plays a big part in our community, and we are pleased that the donation will be able to support the new Beacon facility.”

Holly Firmin, Senior Community Partnerships Manager at Coca-Cola added: “It’s been so inspiring to see how pubs and their customers have stepped up to support local people during the pandemic – despite many facing real challenges themselves.

“We’re thrilled to be able to help the team at The Roebuck Inn continue their support for people of Mobberley. Funding this donation is our way of saying a huge well done and thank you!”