Greene King Pub Partners is celebrating 25 years of partnership with long-serving operator Paul Greenwell, who runs The Willow Pond, in Sunderland.
Licensee Paul Greenwell (centre) with Peter Cunningham, operations manager for Pub Partners, and Becky Davies, business development manager for Pub Partners
Paul started working at The Willow Pond in 2000 as a general manager for Scottish & Newcastle. From there, following industry mergers, he took on the pub as a tenant in partnership with Greene King, supported by his wife Kirsty and his mother Libby, who manages the pub’s books to this day.
Over the past 25 years, Paul has built The Willow Pond into a well-loved community local, known for its warm, friendly atmosphere, and quality beer range. The pub is thought to date back to at least 1867.
A plaque is being made to be placed inside the pub, to commemorate Paul’s 25 years at The Willow Pond.
“Reaching 25 years at The Willow Pond is a huge milestone for me and my family,” said Paul. “The pub has been at the centre of our lives for so long. We’ve seen the industry evolve and the local area change, but the spirit of this pub and its place in the community has always stayed strong.
“Greene King Pub Partners have been supportive throughout our journey, and we’re proud to continue working in partnership with them. Most of all, we’re grateful to our brilliant team, our loyal customers, and everyone who helps make The Willow Pond what it is.”
