About Us
'A Short History of My Time ' by Ben Hurley your Landlord.
I have been working in pubs since my father used to beat me in to bottling up for him at the age of 10! At the age of 17 I began as a bartender working for Carol Smiley in her first restaurant in St Andrews, The Doll's House. From there I moved to Edinburgh where I started an apprenticeship with S & N retail which almost killed me as it was so mundane and Weatherspoon like! With no intention of staying 'in pubs' I moved to London to stay with my Dad while I decided what to do with my life. Within a week or two I was working in a pub in Battersea, The Duke of Cambridge, then owned by Geronimo Inns. Geronimo Inns showed me that Pubs didn't have to have fruit machines, old ladies pouring pints with a fag in their mouth and it wasn't essential to wear a shirt and tie behind the bar to look smart. Geronimo had started something new and I was very fortunate to be part of it. Geronimo were responsible for the birth of the 'Gastro' Pub in London and The Duke of Cambridge was their flagship. During my 7 years with Geronimo I moved up the ranks quickly and became the youngest Licensee in Britain as I took over the Coat and Badge in Putney at the age of 20. In total I ran eight pubs for Geronimo and learned more and more from them with each new location and site. As a young man I always wanted my own pub and until late last year had never though it would happen. As it has happened I have tried to install all that Geronimo and Rupert Clevely taught me over the years but also, and most importantly, I have added my own flare of personality and unique management style. I love my staff as much I do my customers and retain great staff by treating them with all the respect they work for and deserve.
The Hurlingham has unique class with its random art work, posters and advertisements but also has the greatest most friendly staff which is the most important aspect to me. I want to have the friendliest pub there can be and with our perfect food and fantastic wine and beer offer its hard to be disappointed when you come here.
The Hurlingham is about fun, great food and wine and relaxing in the comfort of our 'home from home' surroundings. This is all I have wanted to acheive from a boozer and I can't wait to do it again somewhere else soon.
I hope you enjoy your experience as much as I love running and creating it.
Ben Hurley |
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