Four years ago Collette and John took over the Fox & Grapes in Pudsey West Yorkshire. “It was really run down and screaming out for lots of TLC to bring it back to life.” Collette explained. “There was virtually no clientele as the previous owners opened only when it suited them. So we had to start from scratch to build up the business and create loyalty. It’s been a hard road but well worth it.”
Collette enjoys seeing everyone who comes into her pub having a good time. “That includes my staff as well as the customers. I know then that I am doing my job right.”
The Fox & Grapes is a small pub on the edge of a housing estate. “Thankfully the snow this winter didn’t really affect our clientele as many could just walk to the pub.” The bad weather meant more customers enjoyed John’s heart-warming traditional Yorkshire fare. “Steak and Ale Pie is one of our best sellers.” You can’t get more traditional than that.
The pub is too small to hold large events but that doesn’t stop Collette and John getting involved organising charity balls for the locals. Last year their ball raised £19,000 for Alzheimer’s with 96 guests. “This year’s charity ball numbers have already reached 100 for the Black Tie Dinner that will be held at Harewood House in the Court Yard.” It was one of their customers Wayne Ferguson who asked that this event support the local special needs school Milestone and he is helping with the ticket sales. “We hope to break last year’s fundraising record.”
This job is all about listening to your customers and giving them what they want and Collette and John are doing just that, with excellent home cooking and a well stocked bar. “The most popular beer at the moment with our customers is Hob Goblin. We put it on for Halloween and intended to take it off afterwards, but the customers had other ideas.”
We wish Collette and John all the best for their Ball on the 8th of May.