Brakspear announces key appointments to drive managed estate


Pub operator and brewer Brakspear is supporting its growing managed business with two key appointments - a retail marketing manager and an executive chef.

Dan Turner (pictured right) takes on the newly-created retail marketing manager role just as Brakspear's managed estate reaches 10 sites. He joins from the Ideal Collection pub group in Hampshire and has also worked in marketing roles at Convivial London Pubs, and within a marketing agency.

At the same time, Arthur Knights joins as executive chef (pictured left). He will work with all the head chefs to develop their food business, including menu development, sourcing products, and sharing best practice across all sites.

Knights joins from the Metropolitan Pub Company and previously worked for Lazy Cow Group and Mitchells & Butlers. He has also worked for Michelin-starred dining restaurants including Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.

Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said, 'Dan and Arthur are both outstanding professionals with skills and achievements that make them welcome additions to the Brakspear managed team.

'Dan's role will be to ensure we are running the most effective marketing, both at pub level and for the managed estate overall, as we look to ensure consistency of standards across the business, while also allowing each pub to play to the strengths of its individual character.

'Arthur will add add tremendous value to the food business across our managed division. He is a talented and innovative chef and will be able to raise skill and creativity within our existing kitchen teams.'

The Brakspear managed estate comprises: Bull on Bell Street and Little Angel, both in Henley-on-Thames; Porch House and Sheep on Sheep Street, both in Stow-on-the-Wold; George Townhouse in Shipston-on-Stour; Townhouse in Stratford on Avon; Chequers in Marlow; Running Horses in Mickleham, Surrrey and Retreat in Staines. The newest addition to the division, the Dog & Duck in Wokingham, will reopen in November after extensive redevelopment.