12th February 2026
Written by Holly Richardson
Jon Kendall and Allen Bellamy celebrate 15 years each at Robinsons this February!
This milestone is a unique one. We’re not sure if we’re celebrating a combined 30 years of commitment to beer quality at Robinsons, or 15 years of what appears to be the strongest colleague alliance of all time. Jon Kendall and Allen Bellamy joined Robinsons just two weeks apart and have made great strides in the beer quality across our pub estate.
Aside from their day job of overseeing the beer quality of our 250 pubs, the pair keep connected with others in the industry, developing great relationships over the years. They’re part of the Regional Dispense Association (Al is now Chair) and get involved in plenty of events too.
Joining us on Valentine’s Day, 15 years ago, Jon was appointed the roll of Cellar Technician, before promoting to Senior Cellar Service Technician. Two weeks later, Allen was employed as a Cellar Service Technician, then promoted to Senior Cellar Service Technician before becoming Quality Trade Brewer. We thought it’d be fun to get out of the office and into the van for the day and live a day in the life.
Left to Right: Jon Kendall, Allen Bellamy
Looking back over the last 15 years at Robinsons, what moment stands out the most?
Jon: Setting up a cask bar in the houses of parliament has got to be one of the highlights. The security was unreal, but they still let me in. We even got a private behind the scenes tour, they did make sure I left though!
What’s changed the most since you first started, and what’s surprisingly stayed the same?
Al: When I first started all the beer dispense equipment belonged to our Pub Partners, which meant that there was a real range in the quality of the equipment out there and inherited quite a big job. We were tasked to bring that equipment back under the ownership of Cellar Services allowing us to replace, repair and standardise the equipment and improve the quality of dispense. By having all the technical equipment under our ownership, it means we can offer greater support to our Pub Partners, and when issues do arise – we’re far more likely to be able to fix them all within the service we provide at Robinsons.
I also think we’ve seen a real increase in people’s positive attitudes. From our teams at the brewery to our Partners and GMs, there is a real sense of pride to be a part of Robinsons. And, I think that feeds from the top.
If you could go back and give “day one you” a piece of advice, what would it be?
Jon: Don’t be scared to voice your opinions, believe it or not people do listen.
Al: Stick at it, it gets better!
What’s the most important thing to serving a quality pint?
Al: I think it’s hard to quantify that to one single thing. There are so many important steps and processes to achieving the perfect pint, but the most important, in my view, is hygiene. A clean cellar and equipment, clean lines, clean nozzles for great beer dispense. Then a clean glasswasher and glasses to ensure the quality of beer remains great for the drinker. Get those things right and the rest falls into place..
What’s the most frustrating issue you see time and time again?
Jon: Don’t get me started…..TURN YOUR SECONDRIES OFF WHEN YOU ARE CLEANING!
Well, it sounds like you’re quite passionate about that one, Jon!
Al, You’re the happiest team in the company… tell us about that?
Probably a question best answered by the team. My view is trust and communication are the key. Our team has over 200 years combined experience in what we do. Obviously as a manager there are certain choices and decisions, which I have to make. They might not be popular but I would be stupid not to draw on that experience and expertise of my team to get the day to day things right for everyone.
What are you most proud of Robinsons and our pubs for?
The Best in Glass beer quality programme. Our team audit every pub, every year. The results get better and better, which means our pubs are more and more passionate and knowledgeable about serving great beer! This makes me proud. It’s great to work with our pubs and help them wherever we can.
What’s been your favourite role, project, or day on the job so far?
Jon: Apart from the houses of parliament, planning, designing, and installing the dispense equipment (with Al and the team) in every bar and cellar. We have a big investment program at Robinsons, where we transform a number of pubs every year. More often than not, these will involve bar repositioning, or re-design, or refurbing the cellar. These are huge projects. It’s the whole process from getting the beer into the cellar, then from the cellar to the bar, and then dispensing at the right points on the bar. There’s a lot involved and working with the designers on project work like that is always good. Then, a few years ago we worked on the newly built Saint Helens Rugby Stadium, that was a good moment for me, being from Wigan.
What’s one thing you know now that you definitely didn’t expect to learn when you joined?
Al: That what we do is appreciated. I’ve been in the industry for a long time, but the recognition and appreciation of work we do at Robinsons is rewarding. When I see posts on our Pub Partner Facebook group, where people are shouting out and thanking our team for what they’ve done to help. That’s special.
What keeps you motivated to stay with Robinsons after 15 years?
Jon: The focus on beer quality, from where the cellars where back when we joined, to where they are now is unrecognisable. It’s been exciting to be part of that process and seeing the vision come to life. I think that also comes from being trusted to make changes and try new things. Your opinion is respected, and if you want to give something a go, you’re often encouraged.
Al: I’ve worked for different companies in lots of roles, but Robinsons felt like coming home. There’s nothing more motivating than someone taking the time to say a simple thank you, and you really get that here.
Given they are joined at the hip, we thought you might have said each other! And finally, if you’re still here in another 15 years, what do you hope people will say about your 30 year contribution?
Jon: What do you mean if? Do you know something I don’t? Hopefully something positive. I just like getting things done and helping where I can!
Al: Ha, well, I’ve been in this industry 45 years wouldn’t it be great to finish on a 60-year high. But seriously I’d really like people to think I’ve made a difference.
