Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...
Here is little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth read.
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 who also happens to be one of our OG'S! Nicole started with us way back in 2018 and was part of our opening Crew - 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 little ones. 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, our Deputy Manager. Since joining us as an Assistant in 2024, he’s fully embraced pub life and quickly become part of the furniture. With more than 15 years of hospitality experience across a wide range of roles - from the kitchen to the floor - he’s now firmly settled into life here at the Cherry Tree.
On his days off, you’ll usually find him hiking up a hill somewhere, preferably with a pub serving good real ale waiting at the bottom. Next time you see him, ask where his next adventure is taking him - chances are, he’ll already have one planned.
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).
Trainee Assistant Manager
This is Court, she's our Trainee Assistant Manager. Courtenay joined us back in 2018 as a front of house team member and got her promotion in 2022. When she isn't running around at 100mph on service, Court is always up for a chat, so feel free to pull her over. She has worked in varied roles in hospitality for over 21 years, including being a pastry chef. But the reason she has stayed here for so long? She has never felt a connection like the one she has with the Cherry Tree family.
When not at work Courtenay will be all hands on deck with her 3 kids. She loves a good crime series, so please let her know your recommendations, she's alway down for coffee dates and listening to some good music. (Court loves a throwback).
Assistant Manager
This is Karis, our Assistant Manager. She’s been with us since November 2025.
Karis has slotted into the Cherry Tree family perfectly, it already feels like she’s been here a lot longer than she has. She has a big love for dogs, especially sausage dogs, and has her own little one at home called Bruno - if you know Karis you will most likely know bruno too. If you ever bring your dog in, Karis will almost certainly be the first one over to say hello.
She’s always calm under pressure, super supportive to the team, and happy to get stuck in wherever she’s needed, which makes her a great fit for the role.
Restaurant Team Member
This is Nancy. She gracefully joined the Cherry Tree back in November 2022, originally joining just to help for the busy Christmas period, with her twin sister Tilly doing some begging to get her to help. She ended up getting the bug and is still with us to this day.
Starting off as a shy food runner, she now does it all, including all our social media. Nancy is always willing to go above and beyond, coming in when we are in need of an extra pair off hands, and if it really gets to it, she isn't shy of a Kitchen Porter shift either.
Bar Tender
This is Tom, one of our Bartenders. Tom has been with us since day one of opening.
Tom may have disappeared for a few months here and there over the years, but he always finds his way back to us! Known as our cocktail king, Tom creates all of our cocktail specials from scratch and is always happy to chat about anything bar-related.
Keep an eye out next time you visit, you might catch him flairing bottles behind the bar. He’s also incredibly talented at coffee art, so make sure to check out your coffee the next time you stop by!
Bar/Waiting team
This is Charlotte, part of our Bar and Waiting Team.
You’ll probably hear Charlotte before you see her, thanks to her contagious laugh! She always goes above and beyond at work and can do it all, from pouring the perfect pint to making sure you have a lovely meal in the restaurant.
When Charlotte isn’t serving pints, she’s probably enjoying one herself, and if you mention wine, you’ve instantly made a new best friend. In her free time, Charlotte loves a long drive with the music turned up and a good singalong. She also plays netball for Olney, bringing the same energy and team spirit to the court as she does at work.
Bar/waiting staff
This is Ruby, she is a valued Crew member and truly part of the Cherry Tree family.
Ruby has a passion for travel - she has even completed a skydive! When she's not traveling or working on the bar/ floor with us, you'll find her practicing her nails art, playing netball, and spending time with her dog.
Friendly and hardworking, Ruby is a fantastic part of the team.
Bar/Waiting team
This is Josh, he's part of our Bar and Waiting Team.
Josh joined us in November 2025 and slotted right in straight away. He can seem like the quiet one at first, but don’t be fooled, he’s always ready with a good one-liner when you least expect it.
Alongside working with us, Josh is currently studying for his second master’s degree, a very smart cookie! He’s always willing to help out whenever needed and is happy to pick up extra shifts when he’s not busy studying.
Bar/Waiting Staff
This is Jack, part of our Bar and Waiting Team.
Jack joined us at the start of 2026, but you’d think he’d been here a lot longer! He’s fitted in brilliantly at The Cherry Tree and is always willing to help out wherever needed, even coming in on his days off to help get things re-organised.
You’ll know Jack from the moment you walk in, as he’s always welcoming from the second you’re seated right through to when you leave.
When he’s not working, Jack is usually out enjoying a drink or two and making the most of his time off. He also loves spending time with his friends and family.
Bar/ waiting staff
This is Anneliese, part of the Bar/ Waiting team, she's our American adventurer. Before settling here with us, she spent three years travelling around Australia.
She plays lacrosse, has completed two skydives, and has even swam with whale sharks. We're lucky to have her adventurous spirit as part of the crew!
Bar/Waiting
This is Jake, part of our bar and waiting staff who has fitted straight into the Cherry Tree family.
After studying Film at the University of Lincoln, he’s now become a familiar face, mainly working on the bar. In his free time he enjoys playing tennis and, like many of our guests, appreciates a good cider. Jake has quickly become a valued part of the Cherry Tree family.
Bar/waiting staff
This is Ella, Part of our Bar/waiting staff,
Ella lives and breathes the Cherry Tree and is definitely the most active in the group chat. She loves travelling and could talk for hours about the places she’s been, including the time she even did a skydive. She’s also obsessed with history and always has a random fact or story to tell. Ella is like the little sister of the Cherry Tree, always bringing energy, keeping everyone connected, and making the group what it is.
Senior Head Chef
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).
Sous Chef
This is Traviss, he is our Sous Chef. Before joining us as a Junior Sous back in 2024 - he spent his time in a handful of countries. Handful being modest. From running a chocolate company in Brazil, to working in a vegan cafe in New Zealand, spending time in Ecuador, Spain, and of course his native South Africa.
Even when the grill is blazing - he always keeps his cool. You'd recognise his viking style locks, and you may overhear him asking the manager for a Gin & Tonic at any time of the day.
Chef de Partie
This is Toni, one of our Chef de Partie.
Toni joined the team in 2021 and brings a wealth of hospitality experience, including previously running her own wine bar. Her knowledge, professionalism, and positive attitude make her a valued part of the kitchen team.
Outside of work, Toni is a dedicated mum to two sons and has completed multiple Ironman competitions a true reflection of her determination and resilience. She has also cared for orphaned children, showing the kind and supportive nature she brings to everything she does.
Chef de Partie
Brandon is a Chef de Partie who joined the team as a Commis Chef and has progressed through hard work, consistency, and dedication. He is enthusiastic, reliable, and has developed well within the kitchen over time.
He is mainly responsible for the larder section, handling starters, sandwiches, nibbles, and salads, where he maintains good standards and keeps service running smoothly. Brandon is a valued member of the team who continues to grow in confidence and responsibility within his role.
Commis Chef
Hatice has been with us since opening and is a valued Commis Chef. Originally from Turkey and previously a Head Nurse, she brings discipline, organisation, and a strong work ethic to the kitchen every day.
Known as the “Prep Queen,” Hatice runs the back of the kitchen with consistency and pride. She always comes in early, stays late when needed, and is someone the whole team relies on. Over the years, she has become more than just a colleague she is family.
Kitchen Porter
This is Max, one of our Kitchen Porters.
Max has been with us for a while now and is truly our superhero, always going above and beyond to help wherever he’s needed. He’s always willing to come in and lend an extra pair of hands when we’re short, and it never goes unnoticed.
When he’s not at work, Max enjoys spending quality time with his family and watching a good movie. He genuinely cares about everyone at The Cherry Tree, and there’s not a shift that goes by where he doesn’t check in to see how your week’s been or what everyone’s been up to on their days off.
