New manager transforms fortunes of Worcester pub

AN award-winning chef is helping to transform the fortunes of a Worcester pub.

Matt Gardner, the reigning ‘Seafood Week’ Chef of the Year, has only been managing the city’s Perdiswell House venue for three months but has already doubled weekly sales and been forced to take on extra staff to cope with demand.

Mr Gardner now plans to make the Droitwich Road pub one of the most successful in the city, supported by a wide-ranging food offering with hundreds of different combinations.

If the performance continues at its present rate then the pub is on course to double its turnover this year, while more jobs could also be created.

“When I arrived just before Christmas, I knew I had a big challenge on my hands as it (the pub) had lost its way a little and it had given up on what it did best – provide excellent food in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere,” said Mr Gardner.

The first thing he did was introduce a new head chef and then retrained existing staff.

“We really hit the ground running in 2010 and the response from local people, businesspeople and families visiting Worcester has been tremendous.

“If this continues we should be on course to turnover £600,000 – 50% up on last year – and this will certainly create more new jobs,” he added.

He is hoping for a strong summer season, boosted by events such as the World Cup. The pub will be screening all the games from the tournament and will be hoping to persuade customers to stay and eat in the 120-seat restaurant.

Perdiswell House“We are moving more towards the family end of the market and operate a rewards card to encourage return visits, not to mention Fuzzy Ed’s Funhouse that has separate areas for the under and over 5s.

“With the recession still dominating many people’s thoughts, we feel that the 2-4-1 offer gives families the chance to have good quality food in a friendly environment. It’s an approach that seems to be working,” added Mr Gardner.

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