Real ale pub refreshed with new management team

A BARNSLEY real ale pub, the Old No 7, is getting a management revamp with the appointment of a new team.

Dan Herbert, who previously worked for the Greene King brewery chain, and most recently at The Museum in Sheffield city centre, and his partner Jen Thomas, previously working at the Spot on Snooker Club in Sheffield have signed on to run the site, owned by Acorn Brewery.

Acorn acquired the Old No 7 pub in 2011 and since then the outlet has had a significant impact on the brewery’s sales with between eight and 10% of all the beer it produces now being sold there.

Mr Herbert said: “The Old No 7 is one of those pubs you can’t help but fall in love with as soon as you walk in. There is a great feel to the place and a real sense of identity; it is the only traditional cask ale pub in Barnsley town centre.

“We’ve got to know the customers really quickly and are looking forward to taking forward this thriving business.”

They head up a team of six and are currently recruiting two more bar staff.

Acorn Brewery and Old No 7 owner Dave Hughes said: “We’re delighted to have Dan and Jen on board and see them quickly introducing fresh ideas and improving our offer to customers.

“Over the last four years, the Old No 7 has become a great place to showcase Acorn’s awarding-winning real ales, as well as other English and international brands and, with our new management team in place, we look forward to it go from strength to strength.”

The pub stocks Acorn’s six permanent ales; Barnsley Bitter, Barnsley Gold, Yorkshire Pride, Blonde, Gorlovka and Old Moor Porter, plus its range of seasonal IPAs and kegged beers.

The Old No 7’s annual beer festival will be held this weekend (October 1-4) to celebrate National Cask Ale Week.