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JANUARY
Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise division of Greene King, has celebrated the 20th anniversary of one of its operators.
Steve and Hayley Pellegrini have been at the helm of The Portland Arms on Chesterton Road in Cambridge for the past two decades.
The Portland Arms, operated by the duo in partnership with pub owner Greene King, has a 200-capacity ‘gig room’, complete with a PA stage and bar facilities and has become “famous” in the area for its music offer over the past 20 years.
Previously, the award-winning pub has hosted the likes of Ellie Goulding, Paulo Nutini, Mumford & Sons, Wolf Alice and Two Door Cinema Club.
Most recently, the venue hosted The Last Dinner Party, who shortly after won the BBC Sounds of 2024 poll.
As well as providing a platform for “breakthrough” music acts, The Portland Arms supports its community by working with groups such as Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge University school of music and Perse School to give young performers their first steps onto a live stage.
Numerous charity and fundraising events as well as shows for local good causes are also hosted at the pub throughout the year.
Steve and Hayley said: “From day one, our vision has been to make The Portland the place to go in Cambridge for grassroots live music and over the years we have been so proud to build a loyal following and growing reputation both in Cambridge and across the country.
“As well as our live music, we still pride ourselves on being a traditional pub –so when there isn’t a band playing, we are still that hub for the local community, serving great food, real ale and craft beer.
“The last 20 years have been an absolute privilege, serving the local community and supporting upcoming artists on their pathway to fame. Here is to more of the same in the next 20 years.”
In recognition of Steve and Hayley’s 20 years at The Portland Arms, Greene King Pub Partners managing director Dan Robinson alongside business development manager Andy Swift and operations director Phil Arnold presented them with a specially made plaque and certificate to display at the pub.
Robinson said: “I am deeply honoured to present this plaque to Steve and Hayley, and recognise their 20 years at the helm of The Portland Arms.
“The Portland Arms is not just a great pub, it is an institution.
“It’s reputation as a grassroots music venue is goes beyond Cambridge even.
“Steve and Hayley deserve full credit for turning it into the famous venue it is today – and I am sure will continue to be for decades to come.”
- See positive stories from across the sector in 2024 here.
