Warm and friendly, bubbly and self deprecating, the Royal Exchange’s lovely landlady Michelle Hughes is also delightfully daffy! Her sense of fun has shone through during her first two years at the popular Titanic watering hole. ALBOS caught up with her recently, following a successful 60s night at the pub to celebrate her birthday, and also to commemorate her second anniversary as landlady.
So, Michelle…can you remember what your first day was like?
It was a bit busy! Meeting new people, getting to grips with everything, and getting to know new staff.
Michelle, from Leek, was previously an NVQ assessor in hospitality. She’s certainly very hospitable, but then she has been in the pub trade since the age of 11. “I’m only 21!” she laughs!
Any funny stories?
We’ve got the infamous “slide off” table! The Titanic Tickles on the blackboard always raise a smile. When we held the beach party over August bank holiday weekend, complete with sand on the floor, a number of customers came in, then out…then back in again! Their faces were a picture, but everyone entered into the spirit of it, building sandcastles etc. No printable stories regarding the bar staff antics though, I’m afraid! (boo!)
What plans have you got for the pub in the future?
A few quite exciting things in the pipeline, but I can’t tell you much more than that at the moment, my lips are sealed, it’s all hush hush! (spoilsport!) Rest assured ALBOS will be the first to know. Oh, we’ve got music on over Easter!
What d’you think makes the pub the success it is?
I like to think we’re a community pub. We have lots of different activities to cater for a wide range of interests – craft and vintage fairs, various club meetings such as the Yarn of Ale knitting club and Stone Photographers, backgammon, and we’re about to introduce more gaming evenings. There’s our monthly quiz too, with a gallon of Titanic ale up for grabs. The Librium card game proved very popular, but I think some of the cards got nicked for use as ice scrapers in the cold weather! (laughs!) Some of the customers bring in produce from their allotments. We also have a small lending library too. We provided a wrapping service in the run up to Christmas.
The Titanic Brewery are very good, in that they support my ideas for the pub. We do a lot of fundraising for Dougie Mac (£260 was donated recently from the tricky coin on a lemon balancing game on the bar). We’re also heavily involved with the food and drink festival. I’m very fortunate to have good staff too, of course.
We’re a dog friendly pub, well behaved dogs are welcome.
Right on cue, the pub’s Alsatian, Rocco trots into the bar!
“He patrols the bar,” Michelle explains, “and mine sweeps for crisps and nuts! The regulars are always bringing him prezzies too!”
Finally, Michelle was put on the spot with some quickfire questions!
EastEnders or Corrie?
Corrie, there’s always someone you can relate to!
Sweet or savoury?
Depends on my mood, but usually savoury!
Chinese or balti?
Chinese.
X Factor or The Voice?
The Voice, though I don’t think I’d be accepted on either! (laughs!)
