The Red Lion Interview

Flea enjoys a chat with Gary, landlord of the Red Lion in Bushey

Flea went along to the Red Lion, Bushey where we found landlord Gary Ross with a few spare minutes, so we posed the question…

So Gary, how did you get into the business?

Mum and Dad were publicans, they were in Somerset whilst I was travelling abroad & playing football in Sydney. They then moved to Hemel, I returned from my travels, quickly found I had to work for a living and started behind the bar! Taking up residence at the Verulam Arms I met Sue, the future Mrs Ross in ’79 before moving on to the Conservative Club in Bushey. We stayed eight years there before moving just across the road to the Red Lion!

A bit of history then! What do you see as the main attraction here?

We’ve been here 21 years listening to our patrons. The Red Lion has developed a good, ‘safe’ atmosphere to socialise, eat and drink; so we attract a good mix of customers.

What are your thoughts on 24hr licensing?

We aren’t in the town centre and Bushey is still a village; therefore we’ve no call for opening much later than usual.

Do you have a specific strategy for success?

No, we simply continue to do what we do best. Like all good businesses we continue to invest and keep the menu ticking over.

You have a fantastic beer garden at the Red Lion - has the smoking ban had any detrimental impact on trade?

No, in fact the smoking ban has had the opposite effect on trade – people know the Red Lion as a good food and ale house. We’ve seen a significant increase in diners visiting.

What are the most popular drinks at the Red Lion?

Generally speaking lager sales are tops, we have 5 Lagers here. Our ale, London Pride is the real leader though. We’re very proud of the condition in which most drinkers find our ales. Wine is the favourite with the ladies, good quality and variety – but at affordable prices.

How do you see the role of publican changing over the years? Is there anything you’d like to see different about pub life?

Traditionally the publican was seen and respected as one of the stalwarts of the community, and although this has changed somewhat over recent times, I wouldn’t change the way we are now. We’re here to offer a service, advice if anyone wants it – and to take the odd request for delivery… such as the day a box of ladies underwear arrived – addressed to me!

Do you find the time for holidays?

Like everyone else, you need a change of scenery occasionally. Sue and I recently celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary with 10 days in Tenerife. While we enjoy our business, it’s also our home, our four children have all grown up here and it’s important to spend some quality time together.

Apparently a professional footballer has more holidays though Gary?

This will do me… did I tell you about the time I was playing football in Sydney, Australia…?

Just a stone's throw from Watford and not too far from the M1 and M25, Sue, Gary, Ross and staff are always ready to welcome you to the Red Lion, 50 High Street, Bushey, Hertfordshire. WD23 3HN.

They offer an excellent cellar will cask ales including famous London Beers such as Fullers 'London Pride' and Youngs Bitter. There's also great value quality pub food to enjoy along with the warm welcome. If you're a smoker, you'll find you're very well looked-after too. Try the Rd Lion Bushey.... if you do, we're sure you'll be back!

This article was created on Saturday, 26th December 2009.

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