From Buckingham Palace to Shropshire - pub landlord takes up new post
A village pub near Ironbridge has a new general manager – by royal appointment.
Former Buckingham Palace bar and coffee shop manager Gareth Penny has taken up his new post at the Kynnersley Arms, Leighton.
Gareth, 33, who went to school in Ercall Wood, brings with him a wealth of catering and management experience. He and partner Helen moved into the pub on Saturday, leaving behind their positions as estate managers in Berkshire.
Gareth said: "I'm delighted to be joining the team at The Kynn, and can't wait to get started."
Gareth began his career at The Dun Cow, Shrewsbury, and worked in a series of Shropshire jobs within the hospitality trade until 2001 when he moved to London.
"But in my two years I also worked in the staff restaurant and coffee shop, travelled to Balmoral and Sandringham and was a team leader during arrangements for the Queen's Golden jubilee."
Gareth enjoyed two years at the Palace, but headed back to Telford for better hours and to be close to family and friends.
"I've got lots of plans for The Kynn and can't wait to sit down with the whole team," he said.
"Together we'll draw up a new menu, introduce quiz nights and other regular events, and hopefully in the summer host some kind of music festival in the paddock."
The Kynnersley Arms is a Grade II listed building with a corn mill dating back to the Domesday Book, and a cellar housing part of a blast furnace from the 17th century.
