Tynemill - Best in Britain

The business that owns some of the most characteristic pubs in the region have been declared "The Best Pub Chain in Britain" by the Good Pub Guide 2002.

The Beeston based company, Tynemill, has earned the prestigious award with a simple philosophy.

It matches any one of its outlets to the local surroundings whilst sticking to the principle of quality beer and good food. A further asset is a quiet atmosphere and an insistence on reasonable behaviour.

Chris Holmes, the Managing Director, and the man who has been at the helm since the start back min the 70s, says that "it is an honour to both our staff and our customers. Both make the pubs the places they are."

In a meeting at The Victoria Hotel in Beeston over a perfect lunchtime pint, he goes on to explain how it all came about.

Chris Holmes

"I was lecturing at Trent Polytechnic when the Campaign for Real Ale was in its infancy."

After getting involved to the point of becoming chairman, he decided to put his views into action.

"I wanted a pub I'd like to drink in myself."

He took over The Old Kings Arms in Newark, which had been closed for many years and transformed it into a haven which soon gathered a brand new clientele.

In years to come he gave up this pub but by this time his business as a whole was growing.

A welcoming sight

More than one person thought Chris had "lost the plot" when he took on the Victoria Hotel in Beeston.

It was an ex-railway hotel that had fallen on very hard times.

"The people of Beeston proved my instincts right - and how".

His adventure has settled down to a large enterprise. As MD of the group he now oversees 18 pubs with the added benefit of a micro brewery, Castle Rock.

Castle Rock brewery

The chain has a loyal workforce and intends to keep on with a gentle expansion to allow them to develop.

One development is the expansion of the brewery from 30 to 100 gallons weekly.

This would allow the Vat and Fiddle pub in central Nottingham to expand and customers to view the brewery working through a glass partition.

Tynemill intend to take a stall at the Nottingham Beer Festival under the guide of Castle Rock and use the occasion to celebrate their success. Cheers!