A day in the life of a gastropub operator

Since I ‘retired ‘ to open the Unruly Pig, I try to get a lie in (after too many years spent on early morning commutes to London) so today is therefore an early start as I get up at 7.30am (I know, an outrageously late time for most). I still think it a luxury to be able to have breakfast with my wife and have time to read a newspaper. I still really relish this “privilege’ whatever the hour of waking.

I then deal with overnight emails but properly kick off my day with a visit to Suffolk New College in Ipswich to help with the induction of  the new Level 1 & 2 students. I was asked to speak on the topic “How to stand out in a crowd”. My PowerPoint presentation proved so interesting and enthralling that a student on the front row fell asleep…

Back at the Unruly Pig, I sit in on the pre service team briefing to take stock on last night’s service, changes on today’s menu and a run though on VIP’s who are dining today. 

Then there’s a new pud (which is a little cracker) that needs re-tasting with the management team: Earl Grey panna cotta with fresh and candied fig. Yesterday the universal conclusion was the panna cotta needed more of the bergamot of Earl Grey tea. Today the pudding was knockout good – enough bergamot, wobble and grainy fig texture. Yummee ! It’s a such hard life tasting dishes! I love it.

Next thing it’s off to my thrice weekly “torture”– the gym. I loathe exercise and “no” it doesn't get any better with time and perseverance .My trainer kills me.

I return to the Unruly Pig for a post-lunch meeting regarding the arrangements for our cooking station at The Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival – we are setting up in the marquee of our great friends Niche premium cocktails (the CEO is a valued customer).

My role at the festival ? The veritable chocolate tea pot – I am to swan around and network …and enjoy myself. Someone’s got to do it!

I then nip back home (after lunch) to join my wife walking the dog along the stunning estuary of the River Deben in Woodbridge (which is just up the road from the Unruly Pig ) . 

After two to three hours at home, I then nip back to the Unruly Pig as it’s Tasting Thursday (a promotion whereby each Thursday our tasting menu is priced at £49 instead of the normal price of £75).

In what are volatile times for hospitality, the pub is happily heaving – the promotion remains very popular.. I say hello to a few regulars but eventually call it a day at 7.40pm and return home to take my wife out to dinner in Woodbridge at the Riverside Restaurant to eat local lobster and home made chips – what is there not to love? 

Whatever the slings and arrows that too often face us in hospitality, this has been a  deeply satisfying day and I reflect how lucky I am to have had my change in career.