The chance to interact with customers and his team members is what keeps the new General Manager of Shepherd Neame’s The Old Mill in Kennington buzzing every day.
A self-confessed ‘people person,’ Glenn Wilders, 35, came to the friendly pub on the outskirts of the historic market town of Ashford after a career in pubs and hotels which started in his teens.
“It’s the social side of pubs for me that I like,” said the father of two young daughters, who originally hails from Dartford. “There’s always something different going on, someone new to talk to. I like learning about different cultures – I’m a people watcher and a people lover.”
The community pub was already popular with locals and customers from further afield for drinking and dining, but since taking on the top role, Glenn has introduced events such as more live music nights, charity fundraising events and Sip and Paint afternoons with Free That Mind, to attract even more.
There are also plans for regular steak nights and more fundraising, after already raising hundreds for Aplastic Anaemia Trust, a condition his nephew Louie suffers from, and Dementia UK.
He also held an afternoon for the residents of a local care home, making them feel so welcome, many have returned with their families.
But it isn’t just his customers who he’s dedicated to meeting and getting to know. He also prides himself on bringing out the best out in his team members. He has introduced an Employee of the Month award and holds staff outings to encourage team building and bonding. He also encourages them to develop their skills – even if that sometimes means them moving on!
“Every pub I have worked at I have trained the next General Manager, which is something I’m quite proud of,” he said. “Training is really important. It’s how I met my wife, Emma, actually, as she came for training at my pub.”
Faversham-based independent brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame is the latest large group Glenn has worked for in his career. After becoming the youngest bar manager in the Thistle Hotel chain at the age of 21, Glenn moved onto pubs, and spent some years working for Mitchells & Butlers and Elite Pubs – and was bitten by the pub bug.
In his spare time, Glenn can also be found socialising, as he’s a keen golfer, and has recently joined a Man Versus Fat football team near his home in Medway, where, besides making new friends, he has also lost 2kg into the bargain!
You can find a warm welcome from Glenn and his team, as well as generous portions of freshly cooked dishes using locally-sourced ingredients, and a selection of ales, lagers and wines, at The Old Mill in Mill Lane, Kennington.
The Old Mill is open from noon every day and until 10pm Monday to Thursday, to 11pm Friday and Saturday and to 9.30pm on Sunday. It has a large car park.
Food serving times are also from noon every day, and until 8.30pm Monday to Thursday, 9pm on Friday and Saturday and 8pm on Sunday. To book visit www.theoldmill.co or call 01233 661000.
