There have been some changes here at the pub over the last few weeks, as we have bid a fond farewell to Mawa as she focuses on her young family, but we are incredibly excited at our new line-up, which consists of a dynamic duo who are leading from the front and making a big impact here at The Exchequer.
We can’t wait for you to meet Lizzie, our new pub manager. Born and bred in the local village of Hartley Wintney, Lizzie has been working in the industry since the age of 15 when she first started out working in pub kitchens washing pots and pans, which is such an important place to start when gaining an understanding of the workings of an industrial kitchen. Fast forward 15 years to today and she has carved herself an impressive career and plentiful experience working in some of the best pubs in and around the local area.
Alongside her, managing the operation is her number two, long-standing Red Mist employee, Fran, who is joining us from our sister pub The Duke of Cambridge, where she has spent 5 years gaining a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Red Mist values we live by.
We caught up with Lizzie to learn more about her so that we can help you get to know her better too:
What was your dream job when you were a kid?
When I was younger I always wanted to be a pilot and travel the world, that was until I discovered that I really don’t like flying!
Where did you grow up and how did you end up choosing the pub industry to work in?
I grew up in Hartley Wintney and started working in kitchens from the age of 15, as I was keen to earn money. I never really had a plan of any sort but had an unwavering passion for working in pubs. I love creating a memorable experience to customers and seeing them leave happy.
What’s your favourite thing about British Pubs?
Vodka!!! But I also really love people. I love seeing people celebrating and being a small part of that or making someone’s day better. I love the atmosphere, the noise and everything about these old buildings and pub gardens that bring people together to relax and socialise.
What is your favourite classic pub dish?
Hands down, this would be the classic prawn cocktail – if it’s ever on a menu I have to have it! Truth be told, I just love food, I definitely live to eat.
If you could invite anyone in the world to come and dine with you at your pub, who would you invite and why?
Oh my gosh, so many people would feature! I love Noel Gallagher so definitely him, followed by David Attenborough, who I think would be a super interesting guest – I’d ask him if he would take me swimming with the sharks! I would ask Marcus Wareing to prepare the menu and assist in the prep of the cooking but would need to be eating alongside us. The list is pretty much endless. I have a million questions for a million people!
What’s your signature drink that your nearest and dearest know to order for you?
Bubbles or vodka! I love them both. The Hattingley Valley sparkling wine is particularly delicious and top tip, it doesn’t give you a headache! I’m also a vodka fan, you can’t beat a Grey Goose, which is just delightfully smooth.
What’s your favourite movie of all time?
Don’t judge me, but I’m obsessed with Jaws! I must have seen it over 7,000 times and I still have to sit down to watch it every Christmas and Easter when it appears on the TV schedule, I just can’t help myself!
Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of work?
I have a penchant for shopping, especially shoes! Whether they be from Primark or Christian Louboutin I have to have them, I have a collection of over 100 pairs! I’d like to say I also have a passion for the gym or something equally healthy, but I’d be lying!!
Tell us a random fact about yourself that not many people know…
Probably the strangest thing about me is my fear of baked beans, they make my skin crawl – I can’t really tell you where it stemmed from, but the consistency and smell makes me shudder. Fear not though, I always put my big girl pants on during the rare occasions we serve them (they feature on our kids menu) – I try not to let the fear shine through!
What interested you in working with Red Mist Leisure?
I love proper pubs, I’ve done all sorts over the years and worked in a variety of establishments, but a pub is where my heart belongs. I love being operational and never want to become a pen pusher and so it’s important to me not to work for a big chain, which is one of the reasons working for Red Mist was so appealing. I want The Exchequer to be the heart of the community where we all know each other and help one another. I want people to want to come and enjoy being served by me and my team and have a great time. Basically, I want life to be one big party!
If you haven’t already met Lizzie, then do pop by for a drink or something delicious to eat. Or call in on our next Villager’s Night, which is the last Thursday of every month.