News / Pubs
Is Sam Gregory both Bristol’s busiest and best pub landlord?
A Bristol pub operator with an ever-growing portfolio of pubs across the city has been revealed as the new custodian of the Rose of Denmark.
As Bristol24/7 recently reported, the pub will be reopening thanks to a £405,000 upgrade from Heineken-owned Star Pubs.
The Hotwells pub is due to reopen at the end of July, with the well-known and hugely respected Sam Gregory at the helm.
is needed now More than ever
Gregory is best known as landlord of the Bank Tavern in the Old City which hit international headlines for having not just the UK’s best Sunday lunch but also what was reported to be “the world’s longest waiting list”.
Plymouth-born Gregory, who lives above the Bank on John Street, has since taken on the running of the Bell in Kingsdown and the Sugar Loaf in Easton, and is currently preparing to reopen the Crown in St Jude’s.
Sam Gregory’s dog, Charlie, has her own Instagram account – photo: Martin Booth
Gregory said that he and his team “don’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to our pubs”.
He said: “We look at the area, what’s already on offer and identify what is missing and what the community wants.
“What works for one area doesn’t necessarily work for another.
“Hotwells had been crying out for a decent pub with the elements that we’re introducing for a long time.”
The Rose of Denmark on Dowry Place is reopening at the end of July, with morning coffee due to be introduced alongside three-month rotating kitchen pop-ups – image: Star Pubs
Once back open, the pub’s entertainment will include regular live music, quiz nights and televised sports, with a new outside seating area and areas inside for private dining.
Star Pubs business development manager, Gavin Perkins, added: “The refurbishment of the Rose of Denmark is great news for Hotwells.
“Its pop-up food and coffee and pastries together with its live sports in a premium quality pub environment brings something new to the area.
“Prior to Sam taking on the Rose of Denmark, it had been run by a number of temporary managers.
“It will benefit the community enormously having a long-term licensee, particularly one of Sam’s calibre.
“He is a very professional and experienced pub operator, with many different types of popular pubs in his portfolio, including the Sugar Loaf in Easton, the Bell in Stokes Croft and the Crown in St Jude’s, each with their own distinct offer appealing to their neighbourhoods.
“I wish the team at the Rose of Denmark every success and look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength.”
The Rose of Denmark is named after after Alexandra, Princess of Wales, wife of the Prince of Wales who was later to become King Edward VII – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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