The People

The Stamford Bridge has Neal Thacker as General Manager. Neal has been our landlord since taking the pub over in 2005 and he really has taken The Bridge through its transformation. Before his move into a pub landlord, Neal worked in hotels, starting out as a chef at the busy Haydock Park Thistle, before moving to the front of house where his true passion lies.

Neal worked his way up to operations manager of a successful local hotel before he moved over to concentrate on good old food, wine, beer and hospitality at The Stamford Bridge.

Running the kitchen we have Darren Hughes whose career took off as the head pastry chef at The Chester Grosvenor Hotel. After leaving the Grosvenor Darren moved back to his native North East before returning to the North West and joining the company as Head Chef of The Goshawk. Darren spent three years at The Goshawk, building a fantastically strong brigade of chefs. He has moved down to The Stamford Bridge in Spring 2009, bringing with him his talent and dry sense of humour!

Richard or "HP" as he is lovingly known joined the brigade at the end of 2009 and since then hasnt quite shaken the name.

A combination of there being 2 Richards, 2 Crofts & HP having a striking resemblance to Harry Potter made it written in the stars.

Our resident rock climber alongside all things muddy / biking Sam has returned home to roost at The Stamford Bridge. In work he entertains us with his unique wit (& the occasional dance if you are unlucky enough to set up together) all that said we forgive him as he makes a terrific brew & his coffee training sets us up for all the other staff to follow suit.

Another Wirral lad Tim joins The Stamford team with a good backing in all things hustle & bustle from a busy Heswall restaurant. Days off are filled by being captain and social secretary for Neston hockey club but he can also be found enjoying the odd relaxing drink & keeping the interpub links alive with Allan (from the Golden Lion) & Danny (from the Boat House).