Metropolitan Pub Company

Celebrating Our People & Culture Coordinator, Whitney Yllobre Cuba 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that our very own Whitney Yllobre has been nominated for the Apprentice Champion Award at the 11th Annual Lifetime Training Learner Achievement Awards! 🎉 This nomination from Lifetime recognizes Whitney's outstanding dedication to promoting and supporting apprenticeships within our company. Last year, Whitney represented us at an apprenticeship event at the House of Commons, alongside two of our talented apprentices, highlighting her ongoing commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for apprentices. Please join us in congratulating Whitney on this incredible achievement and wishing her the best of luck as she moves forward in the selection process! 🙌

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming BDM Ian Tillett, aka Tilly as the newest member of our ops team, so we sat down with him to find out a bit more! My passion for hospitality began with washing dishes by hand in a pub at age 13. Now, I've had over 40 years of hospitality experience. During my career I’ve had exposure in positions; where I have been able to develop skills and expand my expertise beyond operations. My focus is building exceptional teams, delivering outstanding guest experiences, and driving results, with a vision to “be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons'” symbolising being the very best in our marketplace with all that we do – inspired by the book 'The Purple Cow'. In my new role the headline goal is ‘To continue to elevate the art of the pub’. This is what counts: Hot chips – Cold Beer – Happy Team – Great vibes: It’s that simple – but sometime we over-complicate it! What attracted you to MPCo? I’ve always been attracted to MPCo – years before I joined GK. But more recently the positive changes led by Zoe Bowley & her team was my biggest attraction – why work anywhere else!? What do you love about the MPCo and BDM role? MPCo: Clear goal – aligned to our GK vision and four values that act as a clear compass to drive exceptional behaviours. Plus, a diverse collection of market-leading exceptional pubs. BDM: Opportunity to ‘joyfully’ sprinkle my hospitality experience across a manageable number of pubs to really develop & grow to deliver our MPCo goal. Ultimately, make a positive difference – everyday! What you are most excited about when it comes to joining the team? Being part of the continued exciting MPCo journey, adding value and partnering like-minded & caring hospitality colleagues Fun / interesting fact about you From the age of nine to 16 I kept a menagerie of animals (as small holding) – I had: Goats (which won awards at goat shows), chickens, geese & ducks – I needed to work from the age of 13 to pay for my animals! I always get my outfit ready the night before (my prep) – this sets me up with positivity for the day ahead!

Summer Well-being Month is Here! 🌟 We’re excited to celebrate Summer Well-being Month this August by dedicating each week to a different aspect of well-being. From energising fitness challenges and relaxing yoga sessions to exploring the enriching world of audio books and adopting healthy eating habits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Well-being is essential for a thriving team, and this summer is all about fostering positive growth and wellness, and promoting a balanced and positive lifestyle. Here’s to a fantastic month ahead!

Sun, fun, and friendly competition! ☀️ Last week, the Metro and Crafted support centre teams came together for a much-needed sports day to celebrate a fantastic first half of the year. From egg and spoon races to rounders, we had a blast getting active and cheering each other on. Huge congrats to Team Blue on their victory! 💙

Thanks to the incredible efforts and generosity of our teams and guests, we have raised nearly £30,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support so far this year! Macmillan's unwavering dedication to providing support to those affected by cancer inspires us every day. We are proud to contribute to their mission and help make a difference in the lives of so many. A huge thank you to everyone who participated, donated, and supported our fundraising initiatives. Your contributions, whether big or small, have collectively made a significant impact. Together, we can continue to support Macmillan and ensure no one faces cancer alone. 💚

Last week was Learning Disability Week. The event, led by Mencap is an opportunity to highlight the incredible contributions made by individuals with learning disabilities. This year’s theme “Do you see me?” was all about challenging the barriers faced by people with learning disabilities, and celebrating the amazing things they bring to society. At the Metropolitan Pub Company and Greene King, we are creating opportunities for young people with learning disabilities. Watch this video to learn more about it. https://lnkd.in/e_mZGw-H

We're thrilled to announce that one of our key supporters for the MetroChef: The Professionals competition is the premium Spanish beer brand, Estrella Galicia. Their incredible support last year was instrumental in getting our competition off the ground. Estrella Galicia, a 100% family-owned pale lager brand from Hijos de Rivera Brewery, is back again this year, providing invaluable support. Their contributions include a videographer, branded products, and fantastic prizes. We couldn't make this competition happen without them. Keep your eyes peeled as the competition kick off is just around the corner. 

MetroChef: The Professionals is back and better than ever! The Metropolitan Pub Company competition aims to showcase the amazing talent already in the business and inspire a new generation of budding chefs. After a fantastic response to last year’s challenge, we’ve brought it back this summer. We have some amazing prizes on offer for our chefs, including a spot on next year’s menu! A big thank you to our generous suppliers supporting this year’s competition: Estrella Galicia, John Gilmour Butchers, Belazu | B Corp™ and Harvey & Brockless.

This week, Rosa Blanca whisked some of our General Managers and team members away on a delightful trip to Mallorca. Immersed in the island's culture for a few days, they got a firsthand taste of the inspiration behind this refreshing lager. Born in 1927 on the beautiful Balearic island, Rosa Blanca's pale golden brew boasts a citrusy aroma thanks to Citra hops. It arrived in the UK to much fanfare late last year. The trip kicked off with a delightful set meal at the stunning 5illes beach club. Next, they embarked on a culinary adventure at the restored palace Can Vivot, where a delectable tasting menu was perfectly paired with Rosa Blanca. Day two offered a scenic tour of the island, culminating in a final meal at the Dos Alquimistes restaurant in the charming mountain village of Biniaraix. This immersive experience provided a firsthand look at the inspiration behind Rosa Blanca's refreshing taste and rich heritage. Thanks to the team for an amazing few days away. Have you tried it yet? #RosaBlanca #TasteOfMallorca

Summer has finally arrived and so has our fabulous new Summer Serves menu! Our talented team of experts have curated a selection of refreshing summer drinks, promising the perfect pub garden experience this summer. Including a tantalising Lemon & Raspberry Spritz crafted with zesty Sipsmith Lemon drizzle gin and rhubarb Amaro Santoni, a delightful Lillet Rosé Spritz and Watermelon Margarita featuring Altos Tequila and many more. Embrace the season with our refreshing twists on classic favourites and exciting new mocktails, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you are unwinding over a leisurely lunch or catching up with colleagues after hours, our menu caters to all occasions. Come and indulge in delicious drinks all summer long, whatever your tipple of choice!