15th December 2025
Written by Rachel Wallace
As well as marking employee milestones, this year we’ve also celebrated some incredible anniversaries among our long-standing Pub Partners. Retaining great Pub Partners is important to us. Without them, our pubs simply wouldn’t be the same. We’re very fortunate, as a family business, to be able to nurture both long-established and new relationships with the individuals at the forefront of our pubs.
Tony Griffiths celebrates 10 years at The Crown, Lixwm
Anthony (Tony) Griffiths has been a valued Pub Partner with us for 10 years, celebrating the milestone in the summer at The Crown in Lixwm, North Wales.
Having worked in hospitality throughout his career, Tony knows a thing or two about great customer service - and even better food - after training to be a chef in college and working as a chef for nearly 40 years.
The Crown is a true community hub that adapted during the challenges of COVID-19 by hosting a small shop and post office for the village. From birthdays to weddings and local celebrations, The Crown has seen it all.
So, to Tony, his daughter Mia, long-standing friend and fellow chef Clark, and the rest of the team - congratulations on a fantastic decade, and here’s to many more! If you’re in the Holywell area, or looking to refuel after a long walk up Moel Famau, be sure to stop by The Crown!
30 years of the Russell family at the Kings Arms in Fulshaw Cross!
On 25th October 1995, Robert (Bob) Russell signed the tenancy for The Kings Arms Hotel in Wilmslow - and 30 years later, the Russell family remain at the heart of this much-loved pub. The Kings Arms, a traditional English pub and guesthouse, now proudly collaborates with Phanthong Thai, which is something that we are seeing more and more in the pub industry – combinations with international cuisine and traditional pubs! On Saturday 25th October this year, Helen, James, and Ed Russell hosted a fantastic party to celebrate featuring live music from The Recliners.
Over the past three decades, the family has witnessed major changes - from smoking bans and licensing reforms to the transformation of Wilmslow itself. Today, The Kings Arms is thriving as a true community hub, hosting wine and cheese nights with our wine team, live music events, the annual August Bank Holiday ‘Kingstock’ festival, and, of course, their ever-popular partnership with Phanthong Thai.
Here’s to the Russells - 30 years of dedication, warmth, and community spirit. Cheers to many more!
