A Heartfelt Welcome to the Sycamore Tree

Hello everyone! My name is Mark, and I have the pleasure of running the Sycamore Tree, a traditional pub that has been my passion for over seven years. Time flies, especially with the ups and downs brought on by Covid, rising staffing costs, and significant shifts in my personal life. Despite these hurdles, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else.

At the Sycamore Tree, we focus on delivering high-quality traditional pub food and a warm atmosphere. Since I met Kathryn and she decided to join us to manage the front of house, we’ve seen the pub grow in ways I never imagined. Two years on, we live and work together, and we are still talking! In this blog, I’ll share what’s happening at the pub, give you behind-the-scenes insights, and express my thoughts as I spend most of my time in the kitchen.

The Early Days

When I first took over the Sycamore Tree, excitement mixed with a little fear. The pub had a rich history that I was eager to honour while adding my own vision. The first few months were intense. I worked long hours and learned the ins and outs of running a pub. Each day brought new challenges and opportunities. I quickly realised that building relationships with our patrons was key to our success.

Overcoming Challenges

As the years went by, many challenges tested my resolve. The Covid pandemic was the most significant. Like many in the hospitality industry, I had to adapt fast to changing regulations. During lockdowns, we pivoted to takeout and delivery services. I remember the first week, we sold 200 meals—a feat that brought tears of joy to my eyes. It was incredible to see the community come together to support local businesses during such uncertain times.

Rising Costs and Staffing Issues

Post-Covid, running a pub has changed dramatically. Staffing became a pressing challenge, with many experienced workers leaving the industry. I often found myself juggling multiple roles—chef, manager, and sometimes even a bartender.

In 2022 alone, ingredient prices surged by an average of 12%. I had to rethink our menu and find creative ways to maintain quality while keeping prices fair for our customers. It was tough, requiring countless hours of brainstorming, but my determination to keep the Sycamore Tree alive never wavered.

A New Chapter with Kathryn

Bringing Kathryn on board to run the front of house was one of my best decisions. Her energy and passion for hospitality are contagious, and I genuinely believe our pub is thriving because of her contributions. Kathryn has a unique gift for making each guest feel special. Together, we've built a team committed to bringing our vision for the Sycamore Tree to life.

Our Commitment to Quality

At the heart of our mission is providing high-quality traditional pub food. While our menu has evolved, we always keep classics that our patrons cherish. Last year, we sold over 600 portions of fish and chips alone, making it a staple on our menu. We aim for every meal to be a memorable experience that keeps you coming back.

We believe that good food brings people together. It creates memories and strengthens bonds. That’s why we take pride in sourcing the best ingredients and preparing each dish with care.

Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life

You might wonder what a typical day looks like for me at the Sycamore Tree. Most mornings, I'm in the kitchen early to prep for the day. The kitchen is my sanctuary and cell—it's a bit of a love-hate relationship! I enjoy talking with our patrons, listening to their stories, and gathering feedback on our food. These interactions make the long hours more than worth it. Sadly, I don't have as much time as I would like to do this, as the ball and chain—also known as the kitchen—is calling me back for orders, prepping, and the dreaded end-of-day clean down!

The Importance of Community

The Sycamore Tree is more than just a pub; it’s a community hub. We host events, quiz nights, and live music to bring people together. These gatherings create a sense of belonging. They remind us that we are all part of something bigger.

I cherish the friendships that have blossomed within our walls. It’s heartwarming to see familiar faces return week after week. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Looking Ahead

Reflecting on the past seven years fills me with gratitude. Sure, there have been challenges, but they have moulded me into a better pub owner and person. I’m excited about the future and the possibilities ahead for the Sycamore Tree. With Kathryn by my side and a dedicated team, I believe we can continue to grow and adapt to whatever comes our way. Our goal is to provide a warm welcome and delicious food to everyone who walks through our doors.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey as a pub owner at the Sycamore Tree. I hope this blog gives you a glimpse into the heart of our establishment. I look forward to sharing more stories, updates, and insights with you soon. Your support means everything to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the Sycamore Tree!

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy traditional pub fare, come visit us. We promise you a hearty meal and a friendly atmosphere.