Cook moved down from London in 2015 to take a five-year Star Pubs & Bars lease on the Grade II listed building that dates back to the 1600s. Star funded a major refurbishment of the dark and dingy pub, with the new licensee having a big say over how it should look.
When it reopened in June last year, Cook made good use of the many skills transferable from her previous job, including financial management, business planning and attention to detail.
She has worked closely with shops and business, offering a lunch delivery service and setting up a loyalty scheme that rewards them for recommending the pub, and monthly themed events, including a reggae day with a Jamaican barbecue that attracted 200 people on a Sunday, and a Spanish party with paella in the garden.
A new menu was recently launched with more vegetarian dishes and fewer total ingredients to help reduce wastage, storage and prep time, and while parents are enjoying the food, the kids are kept amused by the pub’s art club. But it’s the “whole experience” that Cook hopes the Artisan will be remembered for, encouraging people to stay longer and return time again and time again.