A BUSHEY LOCAL - the 60 sec. INTERVIEW

flea talks to Sue and Gary Ross of Bushey's favourite Red Lion.

But first - what makes a great Pub?

Obviously we can't answer for all pubs, but we can suggest what makes a good pub and what sets them apart from simply bars, hotel lounges and those continental cafes.

First of all, it has nothing to do with carpets or the fittings, or indeed the state of the toilets (!) We know there are some excellent "back street boozers" where there is no food, music or TV and simply lino on the floor. We feel that what sets a Pub apart from the rest is it's purpose and spirit. The Pub is the secular heart of the community, where those of any class or generation can meet and socialise on something approaching the same level.

In any good pub there is a community of strangers and friends and hopefully the welcome is the same for both. The refreshment is also important because it means that all inside have come with the same purpose in mind: to engage in social activity, relax and to some extent, let go of inhibitions...

So why should we care?

Because in today's insular age where most of us leave our homes in the morning, and generally have minimal interaction with others before returning home again, the pub is the one place where we can meet new people who really don't want anything from us other than our company!

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

So Gary, how did you get into the business of being Pub landlord of the Red Lion?

Mum and Dad were publicans back in the 60s, they were in Somerset whilst I was travelling abroad & playing football in Sydney, . Mum and Dad moved to Hemel, I returned from my travels, quickly found I had to work for a living and promptly started behind the bar! From there, it was on to Watford in 76, taking up residence at the Verulam Arms. I met Sue, the future Mrs Ross in 79 and moved on to the Conservative Club in Bushey. We stayed there over eight years before moving just across the road to the Red Lion!

A bit of history then! What do you see as the main attraction apart from the present landlord, of course why do people visit the Red Lion?

Weve been here 21 years listening to our patrons. The Red Lion had developed a good, safe atmosphere to socialise, eat and drink; we attract a good mix of customers from the young and the not so young. We attract a healthy lunchtime crowd who often come back in the evening, so we must be doing something right.

Eat drink and be merry then? What about cheap supermarket booze, does this continue to impact your business?

To some extent it does, as does all the negativity in the press of late. As I said, we offer an inviting venue to meet and socialise we believe were more than just a place for cheap booze.

Wont find any negatives in flea Gary. What are your thoughts on 24hr licensing?

Opening times at the Red Lion are 11am to 11pm. We arent in the town centre. Bushey is still a village; therefore weve no call for opening much later than we usually are. Staffing becomes more of an issue then also.

Understood. Is there any specific strategy for coping with the current economic woes?

There is no specific strategy. We simply continue to do what we do best. Like all good businesses we continue to invest. Up to date signage helps, cleanliness, fresh décor and lighting help, as does a constantly revised menu. Were always looking at ways to stimulate the visitor and the existing customers alike. Any suggestions?

No, its looking good so far. 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. Weve seen a significant increase in diners visiting. Must be the chef! Likewise we dont want to deter smokers, hence the garden, which was a considerable investment we see paying for itself...

Ok, we know you can turn a hand in the kitchen what are the most popular drinks at the Red Lion?

Guys = generally speaking lager sales are tops, we have 5 Lagers here. Take into account individual sales performance though, our ale, London Pride is the real leader. Were very proud of the condition which most drinkers find our ales.

Gals = Wine is the favourite with the ladies, good quality, good variety, affordable wines.

Guinness isnt bad either Gary. What do you see as the most important qualities you look for in prospective staff how do you select them, train them and keep them?

Well give anyone with enthusiasm a chance here, those who show a willingness to learn and have an ability to get a long with people. We find our staffing levels are not such a problem as most people are referred by friends and patrons. Generally you should expect to meet a pretty good standard of staff here at the Red Lion then again, I would say that wouldnt I?

Well yeah, never know who might read this. How do you see the role of publican changing over the years? Is there anything youd 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, especially with todays transient population, I wouldnt change the way we are now. Were 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! Sue wasnt impressed.

Hmm, so how do you find the time for so many exotic holidays?

Like everyone else, you need a change of scenery occasionally. More so in this business. (He says with a smile).

Anywhere nice recently?

Sue and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary HOORAY!

10 days in Tenerife DOUBLE HOORAY!

We plan two holidays a year. While we enjoy our business, our business is also our home, our four children have/are growing up here and its important to spend some quality time together.

Agreed. If you had your life over again, would you still choose the same job publican of the Red Lion?

Wouldnt change a thing.

Apparently a professional footballer has more holidays though Gary?

Sounds about right. This will do me though... did I tell you about the time I was playing football in Sydney, Australia ?

Sue, Gary Ross and staff welcome you!

The Red Lion, 50 High Street, Bushey, Hertfordshire, WD23 3HN.

Telephone 020 8421 9312.

This article was created on Friday, 3rd April 2009. It was last tinkered with on Saturday, 10th December 2011.

Toulla is local, a keen dog walker and an artist of some repute with commissions from all over the world to her credit!  We're very happy to have just one of Toulla Hadjigeorgiou's images to grace this page - there is more inside this on-line flea!

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