Pam Coleman has been at the helm of The White Horse for almost three decades. As a 16-year-old aspiring chef, she worked her first shift in the hospitality industry. Fast-forward to 2023, and she’s celebrating 30 years in the beloved village pub.
Ahead of her anniversary, we caught up with Pam to talk all things hospitality and pubs and reflect on what has been an incredibly successful 30 years…
Hey Pam, congratulations on your milestone! 30 years is an incredible achievement. What would you say is key to running a successful pub? “After spending 30 years in this lovely pub and keeping it successful, I think the key is to never stand still and always look to improve things. Listen to your customers and always look at what you do.”
What would you say is the best thing about this industry? “I would have to say the way of life that it creates; I have had some amazing staff and customers, as well as the lovely home I share.”
We know that you do a lot for the community. Would you say this is something you’re most proud of during your time at the White Horse? “I was very happy that my family and I could help our community during Covid. We turned our function room into a shop selling everything from sweets and ice cream to fresh fruit and vegetables. We also got our butcher involved and made a shop app for our village to order fresh bread and pastries every weekend. Pies, pastries, and sausage rolls were baked every day, and they always sold out! We provided takeaway meals, and my love of plants came in useful too – we transformed the front of the pub into a garden centre, which was also very popular! It meant the world to be able to help so many people.”
That sounds incredible. What an achievement to be able to help so many people! If you could offer advice to anyone taking on a pub, what advice would you give? “I would say to be prepared for hard work; it brings so much pride. Sit at every table to experience your pub as your customers do. Keep outside areas as nice as inside. Let your customers know you love and care about your pub. Keep changing, and always remember to have plenty of activities/events well-advertised!”
That sounds like expert advice to us. This question might be tricky, but what has been your best memory at the White Horse? “I have so many! Having all three sons work here before they finished their education, winning the one and only floral competition out of 480 pubs in 2015, my floral displays, the fabulous Sunday roasts, the Covid lockdown, living in Trowse, and always having the best Operations Managers from Punch to help us.”
It’s no surprise that Pam has had a successful career at the White Horse; she is an excellent Publican and a credit to the wonderful community around her. In September, she enjoyed a well-deserved party with her family, loved-ones and friends who helped to celebrate her milestone achievement.
