Desert Island Pubs – Nathan Wall, MD – Proper Pubs, Admiral Taverns
Beer Insider is pleased to announce a new sponsor for its very popular monthly Desert Island Pubs column, Sunrise Beverages.
Sunrise represents a collective of independent-minded brands that do not compromise on quality and is founded on the principle that great taste can’t be sacrificed. It has built its reputation through partnerships with dedicated drinks makers who share its commitment to excellence. Each of its brands maintains its unique character and heritage, while benefitting from Sunrise’s expertise.
The column continues to involve leading figures in pubs and brewing, along with the industry’s wider eco-system, revealing the pubs that have meant the most to them over their careers.
These are their Desert Island Pubs. To add to their difficulties choosing their favourite venues they are also being asked to select the single beer they would take with them to the Desert Island.
Nathan Wall, MD – Proper Pubs, Admiral Taverns
1. Earliest Memory of a Pub
I grew up in Zambia, so pubs were not a thing. As children we spent most weekends at Nchanga Rugby Club, which had a bar and beer garden with huge 50m-long braais. At the weekend – I have fond memories of the children’s bar hatch where you could get drinks on your parents’ tab as you weren’t allowed in the bar. Sundays were about buying meat packs at the bar and cooking them yourself on the Braai pits. I have always wanted to do this in the UK but Environmental Health Officers, insurers, and Health & Safety have other ideas.
2. Most Inspirational Pub to my Career
The College Arms Peterborough, my first Area Manager role in pubs, where the wonderful Alistair Broome pointed out that I didn’t have a clue, having come from the fast-food industry (he was so right). Many nights and weekends spent learning and working on the bar were so important (and fun).
3. My Current Local
The White Horse is the local in my village of Baston, Lincolnshire, with real ales and real fires. What else do you need?
4. My Favourite Pub
Such a difficult question – I have dozens, all for different reasons, you would have to go far to beat The Plough in Harborne under the immaculate stewardship of Adam Johnson, which sets the benchmark in my view in so many ways. In my own business, Tina at The Ashmore Inn in Wolverhampton sets such a high standard in the community, helping others in need, that it brings tears to my eyes when I think about what this means to the community socially, and how much the Government seems to misunderstand.
5. The Pub you’d like to take to the Island
My Dad’s pub operated under the radar for over a decade in the Middle East – both the name and country have to remain a secret, to spare blushes, but such fun times. Watching my dad host the best gatherings and parties would be something I’d cherish.
6. The beer (unlimited supply) you’d take to the desert island
Wrasslers Oyster Stout from the Porterhouse Brewing Company – a glorious beer, much better in my opinion than the rather more famous Irish Stout.
Glynn Davis, editor, Beer Insider
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