About Us

Ian

Operations Manager

Born in Preston and raised in Shropshire, Ian headed to Bristol to study Environmental Science, only to discover fairly quickly that late nights, cocktail bars and the buzz of the Bristol bar scene held more appeal than the lecture theatre. Hospitality had him from the start.

After managing bars in Bath and Bristol, the big smoke beckoned. He spent several years running some of London’s busier cocktail venues, deepening a love of spirits and wine that eventually earned him a WSET educator qualification. So if you’ve ever wondered why you’re enjoying that glass, he can tell you.

The late nights and shakers lost their shine around the time the first of the mini Slaters arrived. He discovered country pubs, real ale and kitchens doing proper food, a conversion that led him to the doors of Brunning & Price and he hasn’t looked back since.

These days, when he isn’t herding the Acorn Pubs family, you’ll find him hurling himself down singletrack in the Surrey Hills on his mountain bike, or spending time with his wife Rachel and their children, Sophie and Charlie.

Beth

Operations Support & Training Manager

Bright, bold and full of energy, Beth (wife to Jack and mum to Maisey — plus two very important dogs) looks after our training and people. Gin, champagne and a bottomless brunch are all elevated in her world, especially when there’s laughter involved..

Recently caught up in the running hype (and living to tell the tale!), she also loves waterskiing, wakeboarding and anything that adds a little adventure to life. A huge passion for reading books and will try any genre - as long as there is a cup of tea (or something stronger at the weekend)! With her love of bright colours, bold patterns and big personalities, Beth is always ready to make every moment feel just a bit more celebratory.

Josh

Operations Support Manager

Originally from Salisbury and formerly of the Roebuck in Chiswick, Josh brought his rich pub experience with him when he joined us - and hasn’t stopped impressing since. Fiancé to Lisa and proud dad to Lillie-Lou, he’s a lover of rugby, martinis, Sipsmith gin, and some of the finer things in life (especially cheese - sometimes very literally).

Meticulously put together, endlessly welcoming and always ready with a friendly greeting, Josh is the very definition of a pub host who knows how to make everyone feel looked after.

José

Openings Manager

José is the steady, experienced hand behind opening new pubs and setting them up for success. With roots in mixology and a genuine passion for great drinks, food and hospitality, he knows what it takes to build a pub that feels welcoming, lively and properly looked after.

From bartender to General Manager and now Openings Manager, José’s journey is one of hard work, creativity and leadership. His relaxed style, excellent hosting instincts and dedication to doing things well make him a natural guide for every new venue we open.

Debbie

Recruitment Manager

Debbie’s energy and commitment are impossible to miss - whether she’s on the court competing in padel tournaments, out in the garden, or behind the bar working the hardest in the room. Wife to Nadia and parent to Lucas and Amber, she loves nothing more than good food, great company and the occasional pint of Peroni (sometimes two at a time).

Curious, adventurous and always up for trying something new, Debbie’s enthusiasm and drive bring in the best people to our business. What would we do without her?! 

James

Executive Chef

James is a family person through and through — husband to Maggie and proud dad to Theo and Ettie — and the creative force behind some truly memorable menus. A lover of good food, great company and a well-poured pint (Guinness usually leads the way), he’s the one making sure every plate that leaves the kitchen feels just right.

His favourites include Cambridge Japanese gin and Plymouth gin, and whether he’s laughing with guests or gently grinning through a busy service, James brings warmth, passion and a genuine love for food and hospitality to everything he does.

Jon

Roving Manager

Jon is the kind of person who’ll strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel like an old friend. With a genuine fondness for whiskies, beers, cocktails and an easy laugh, he brings warmth, calm confidence and a welcoming spirit to every corner of the bar.

Originally from the New Forest, he treasures a good holiday and the simple joy of relaxing with good company - a perfect fit for the heart of any pub community.

Elliot

Roving Manager

Elliot is sunshine personified - always ready with a smile, a helping hand and a genuine interest in the people around him.

Whether he’s out for long beach walks with his girlfriend and beloved dog, cheering on a great curry, or simply brightening someone’s day with a chat and a laugh, he brings heart and energy wherever he goes.

A true people person, his favourite tipple is red wine - which somehow seems exactly right.

Nathen

Roving Manager

Nathen is a lover of good food, from classic Fish and Chips to the bold flavours of Governor Tacos - he eats like a man on a mission and never apologises for it. When he’s not indulging, you’ll probably find him fishing - a hobby he loves so much his fiancé jokes she’s jealous of the fish (he swears it’s just a phase… it’s been years).

He’s just as happy exploring museums, snorkelling, or sipping his favourite drinks, whether it’s Asahi, Yorkshire Blonde, Priorat, or a smoky Lagavulin Whisky. Fun fact: he once hitchhiked from London to Marseille for charity - because why take a train when you can make strangers slightly nervous? And yes, coffee ice cream is his guilty pleasure. Adventure, curiosity, and a sense of mischief follow him wherever he goes.

Guy

Roving Chef

Guy is a firm believer that life is best enjoyed around a table - preferably with a generous helping of pasta and good company. When he’s not cooking up a feast with friends or settling in for a long, family-style meal, you’ll likely find him out cycling through Suffolk or the South Downs, working up an appetite for the next one (purely so he can justify a second helping).

A fan of a classic G&T, Guy enjoys sampling new gins (all in the name of very serious research). He’s also partial to exploring new places to eat, long countryside walks, and getting stuck into a bit of DIY - usually with great enthusiasm and occasionally with instructions as an after-thought.

Fun fact: he’s paraglided over the Amazon rainforest - just your average weekend, really. And while he keeps things fairly refined, donuts remain his not-so-secret guilty pleasure.

Georgia

Marketing Support

Georgia has a sweet tooth that refuses to be ignored - whether it’s fizzy sweets or a proper portion of Fish & Chips, she’s always happy when there’s something tasty involved. When she’s not snacking, you’ll likely find her on the paddle court, bringing just the right mix of competitiveness and chaos to the game (winning is optional, vibes are not).

A fan of a peach beer (with a wink), Georgia is happiest spending time with friends and family, usually laughing, chatting, and making the most of the moment. She also appreciates the art of doing absolutely nothing - specifically binge-watching TV shows in bed, which she considers a well-earned sport in its own right.

Fun fact: she once took part in a sack race in front of Queen Elizabeth—proof that she’s been entertaining royalty and friends alike for years.