There’s an end of an era and the start of a new one at a ‘hidden gem’ pub on the outskirts of Newcastle, with its popular owners making the tough decision to walk away and a familiar face to customers picking up the reins.
With a 4 star rating on Trip Advisor, The Poacher’s Cottage in Callerton is a place that has been popular with both locals and visitors to the area from Northumberland and elsewhere for years and years, thanks to its friendly atmosphere, ‘quick service’ and hearty food and its success is in no small part to the dedication and loyal service of its owners, the Ridley family, who have been in charge at the Armstrong Street venue for close to a decade now
So it came as shock to customers when they put a post out on Facebook to reveal they’d made the difficult decision to hand the pub over to a new owner, but a person already known to customers, bar manager Ray. Revealing their big news, the post read: “End of an era at Newcastle ‘hidden gem’ pub as new owner takes over. To our fantastic customers, lots of you genuinely feel like family now, it’s you all that make this place so so special. We have loved getting to know you all and all those years ago you welcomed us both and our children with open arms and you’ve made this the best experience ever.”
Delighted to pass on the baton to Ray, the post added: “Our absolutely amazing Ray, our bar manager is going to be taking a step up and taking the helm here. This is a step he is more than ready for, Ray has been fantastic for us, his loyalty and support has been unwavering and his knowledge and passion is absolutely second to none and he’s going to do fantastic here, and no one will be clapping louder or supporting him more than myself and Alan, we cant wait to support him from the much more fun side of the bar.”
The hundreds of comments on the Facebook post are reflective of the love and appreciation The Poachers regulars had for the team in charge, with one customer replying: “We wish you well as you move forward. You have given us some fantastic memories, thankyou” and a second responding. Good luck for your future adventures. You have been a delight to have around the village and we will all miss you and your happy smiling faces. I hope whatever comes next is fun and rewarding: “
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/poachers-cottage-callerton-new-owner-31124142
