A PUB described as a “well-kept secret” plans to become a go-to destination in Worcestershire after being taken over by a new landlord.
Tim Churchman, who was forced to step away from the industry following a heart attack, is making a return with ambitious plans to turn The Jockey Inn near Pershore into a destination pub.
“We want to be that destination pub that is for everyone,” he said.
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“I want people to see the pub and go, ‘wow, that’s a nice place’, and I want to really put the pub out there.
“It is a really well-kept secret.
“I want people to go away and remember The Jockey as somewhere special, not just because they celebrated an event here but because it’s a nice place.
“We have all the ingredients; we just need to put it in a pot and make it work.”
NEW OWNER: The Jockey Inn near Pershore (Image: Street View)
Mr Churchman said the Baughton pub’s future success would be built on teamwork, describing the venture as “a team affair,” with the help of James Powell, who will be front-of-house.
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In the kitchen, Mr Churchman has also enlisted a new head chef, Sam Shaw, and a chef de partie, Leo Baker.
The Jockey Inn, which is described as a comfortable countryside pub with a soft interior style, sits in a rural location that Mr Churchman believes is one of its greatest strengths.
“I think what sets us apart is the location.
“Most people think the pub is in the middle of nowhere, but it is near Upton, Worcester and Malvern,” he said.
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Alongside enhancing the venue’s reputation as a food and drink destination, Mr Churchman has revealed several plans for the future.
Among his longer-term ambitions is converting the upstairs rooms into Airbnb accommodation, helping to restore the building’s traditional role as an inn.
He has also teased plans for wine-tasting events, themed tasting dinners and evenings featuring professional singers.
The new landlord hopes his passion for hospitality and meeting people will help put The Jockey Inn firmly on the map.
“It is exciting just going into work and knowing I will get to meet and get to know new people,” he said.
“I love people, and I love to look after customers, and I don’t think there are a lot of people in the industry like that.
“I get such a kick out of seeing positive TripAdvisor reviews.”
Mr Churchman had formerly run The Bridge in Tibberton before suffering from a heart attack during lockdown.
It led him to step away from the pub industry for several years.
