Lee & Hamish presented with relish, and just a little bit of sauce! This entrepreneurial duo gave a lively insight into the definition of peachiness and the unstoppable growth of the Peach Pub company.  In the lavish setting of the Jumeirah Carlton, the boys recreated bar room banter as they swigged a beer and shared the secrets of their success to date. 

‘Breathing new life into old boozers’ was how Hamish bluntly described it, and it was hard not to warm to the honesty, enthusiasm and passion of these two.  Their ambition back in 2002 was a ‘great gastro pub in every market town in England’ and to date Peach has delivered, with 10 successful pubs in the Midlands and Home Counties turning over £300,000 a week.  

Lee’s energy for quality and customer service was honed from an early age, working front of house at various restaurants and then for such luminaries as Raymond Blanc at Le Petit Blanc.  But it was clear he wanted a food outlet to make his own mark, somewhere ‘to strive to be peachy everyday.’

So what secrets might others learn from their business?

Firstly don’t underestimate the impact of a strong culture.  When facing huge competition, its what makes us different.  ‘Peachiness’ was defined by Lee and Hamish, but is crafted and delivered everyday by their team of loyal staff.  ‘Great service comes from culture and process working together’ and in a fiercely competitive market for customers, it builds loyalty and is the reason punters come back.

It was also clear that Peach shares success with those that make it happen.  ‘Employees need a share of the business, otherwise it’s just a job’ said Lee. For them, sharing the business was not just about pay, but more importantly recognition. They have ‘Heroes of hospitality’ nominations, junior Chef Days, supplier events and more, through to team incentives such as the Peach Summer House. 

It can’t be coincidence Peach Pubs were voted the best place to work in catering and with Lee and Hamish at the helm, expect bigger things to come.

Review by Paul McGann

Director, Brahm Foodservice

www.brahm.com