Behind every great pub, there is a Pub Manager keeping everything ticking and running smoothly. We’ve recently welcomed a new manager to The Stag on the River and we’re delighted to take this opportunity to introduce you all to him.
Ben Fisher joined us in early April, but is no new face to the Red Mist Leisure group, having been Pub Manager at our sister pub The Exchequer, for the past two years.
For those of you who knew our previous manager Claudia, do not fear, she has not gone far! Having moved house recently, she has relocated to manage our sister pub in Epsom, The Cock Inn, so she can be closer to home for her daughter, but will still be popping her head in now and then.
Ben takes over from Claudia with the same objectives; to grow the pub’s menus, using fresh, seasonal ingredients the local area has to offer and to make The Stag an enjoyable location for all to sit back, relax and enjoy.
We took the time to ask Ben some questions, so you can get to know more about him…
What was your dream job when you were growing up?
I wanted to be a professional footballer, but unfortunately my distinct lack of football ability and lack of effort curtailed that idea!
What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement so far was back when I was working as a Restaurant Manager in a hotel chain of nearly 10 sites, and I won the groups ‘Manager of the Year’ award.
What’s your favourite thing about British Pubs?
I love the warm feeling when you walk in a British pub; whether it’s the fire roaring in the winter or being able to sit outside tucking into some lunch and a drink or two in the summer.
What is your favourite classic pub dish and why is it your favourite?
Call me old fashioned, but I love a good meat pie with green veg and lots of gravy! It has to be a proper pie though… I cannot stand a meat filled casserole dish with a lid on the top! That’s why I love the pies on our menu, they’re classic and exactly how a pie should be in my opinion.
If you could invite anyone in the world to come and stay at The Stag, who would you invite?
I’d have to invite the late Sir Bobby Robson, so we could chat football and I can find out all about his time managing Ipswich Town F.C.
What’s your signature drink that your nearest and dearest know to order for you?
Usually to start off with it would be a fresh pint of local real ale, followed by a nice bottle of Italian red wine with dinner and a nice single malt to finish off the evening.
What is your favourite movie of all time?
As my fiancée Laura would testify, I am pretty rubbish at watching films. It doesn’t matter what time of day, how much shooting and shouting is happening on screen or whether I’m on the sofa or in the cinema… I’m usually asleep and snoring within 10 minutes!
Is there a place/attraction nearby that you would recommend people pay a visit to?
The beach at the West Wittering is just under an hour’s drive away and is a brilliant place to go on a warm sunny day. Closer to home, there are some lovely walks along the River Wey which runs past the pub (hence Stag on the River), or Loseley Park is just 15 mins drive away and has a stunning 16th century house and beautiful gardens to wander around.
Come and meet Ben for yourself and enjoy a delicious meal from our menu at The Stag on the River.