Jamie and Becky Holmes will be the managers at the Green Dragon in South Street when it reopens on Friday 15 April. Jamie and Becky are currently Wellington Conservative Club’s stewards, in charge there for more than 6 years.
Before coming to Wellington they ran a small pub in Bradford-on-Avon and, when The Green Dragon roles became available, felt it was “time to get back in the saddle and, hopefully, run a successful business.”
Now owned by the Chapman Group based in Littlehampton, The Green Dragon will have a bar, restaurant, meeting room and 13 ensuite bedrooms for guests. It will have a ‘soft-opening’ as the bedrooms will be completed after the pub and restaurant are opened for customers. It will focus on providing food, drink and accommodation.
Becky and Jamie will live in ‘Annie’s Attic’ in the 250 year old building which has been operating as a pub since 1766. They will manage a staff of 8 – all of whom live locally and within walking distance of South Street.
Becky said, “People are buzzy about the pub opening again and we’re really looking forward to the challenge. We want it to be successful and busy and provide efficient service. We expect the clientele to be middle market, something the town is calling for. It will be a place to come for a quiet drink or a nice meal – or both.”
On the potential competition from Wetherspoons which will open later this year, Becky said, “I think it will be great for the town. It will keep people here who at present may go outside as there’s not the right mix. Wetherspoons will attract people who want to have a drink and a snack while shopping. Hopefully, we’ll offer something a bit different and be more customer-friendly.” She added, “We love Wellington and both wanted to stay so when the opportunity arose we just went for it. We like the market feel of the town and I shop a lot here.”
I’m not sure that ‘middle market’ quote is too wise.