Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...
As our crew come on board, well be adding them here so you can get to know some faces...
General Manager
This is Michael, the manager here at the Cherry Tree. Having joined us back at the start of 2022 as a bartender, he has worked his way into becoming our manager, a post he has held since 2024.
If he isn't in the pub boring everyone with management lingo, he is probably in another pub testing out their Guinness pouring skills, or taking his partner to do 'market research', which we all know is an excuse for him not to cook!
Deputy Manager
This is Nicole, she is our Deputy. Having helped open the Cherry Tree back in 2018, yes you heard that right. We are indeed still lucky enough to have her putting smiles on everyone's faces day-in-day-out (she is allowed days off). If you aren't sure who she is, look out for the very colourful shirts she dons, you surely can't miss her.
If she isn't here, she is spending time with her two littlens. When she has down time, she informs me she moves all her home furniture around, much to the dismay of her partner Lee. I can confirm she does the same thing at the pub. Normally for the best, we are a messy lot!
Deputy Manager
This is Anthony, he is our Deputy. Having joined us as an Assistant back in 2024, he has grown into pub life and is now very much part of the furniture. Having worked a variety of roles, both in the kitchen and out on the floor, over a 15 year hospitality career (and counting), he has now settled into life here at the Cherry Tree.
On his days off he is normally hiking up a hill (not our cup of tea), providing there is a pub with good real ale at the bottom of it. Next time you see him, ask him where his next adventure will be, I am sure he will have one!
Assistant Manager
This is Tilly, she is our Assistant Manager. She has graced our wonderful pub since the start of 2022, having been an Olney resident her whole life up until that point, so naturally she thought she'd work in her Dad's favourite local pub. Starting off as a crew member, she has blossomed over the years and eventually got her promotion into the management team in 2024.
If you are not sure who she is, you'll probably hear her before you see her. She will almost certainly be talking about her dog, Nellie. Or maybe whatever reality TV show she is watching that week. But safe to say she will be smiling and be larger than life (except in the mornings).
Senior Head Chef (Acorn)
This is Ben, he is our Head Chef. Having worked at the Cherry Tree since 2018. He joined us as Christmas cover to get us through the busy festive period, after moving back to where it all began, after working in London. Clearly that wasn't the case as 8 years later he is still here, not as a Christmas temp. but as our Head Chef. A position in which he has held since 2022.
With 20-years of hospitality under his belt, his passion and creativity for food really shines through in everything his does. However, his claim to fame is being the 'Celebrity Chef' at the annual Olney Pancake Race.
When he is in need of some downtime from the hustle and bustle of pub life, you'll find him in his favourite fishing spot going after some unassuming carp, or maybe hiking or foraging. Providing it's outside, he's got it covered.
Senior Sous Chef
This is Bogdan, he is our Senior Sous Chef. He has been with us since 2023. After jumping around a few other local pubs, he eventually found his home with us here. And aren't we lucky! He could be anywhere in the kitchen, from pizzas, to pastas, to grill, so do keep your eye out for him.
When he isn't working, he will be spending quality time with his wife and his 3 mini-Bogdans. Or he will be adding to his ever-growing trainer and football shirt collection. I would tell you he is a football mega fan, but he doesn't often want to talk about football - because his team always finish second, Arsenal (Sorry).
