A ONE-TIME barmaid from Cheshire West is now officially her brewery’s youngest landlady after taking the reins at the pub she started in as a student.
Zoe Carnan has just taken over Joseph Holt's pub, the Clock Tower, in Chesterway, Northwich, but her relationship with the place and its people goes back quite a way.
The 25-year-old former Hartford High student from Winnington started doing the odd shift at the pub when she was just 18 after hearing about a vacancy through her sister, who also worked there.
She started pulling pints for a few extra quid alongside her health and social care course at South Cheshire College, but when the opportunity came along to go full-time when her course ended, she jumped at the chance.
Seven years later, she’s now the big cheese, a role which comes with a house owned by Joseph Holt in Rudheath.
Zoe said she’s still getting used to being in charge, but she’s confident her long service at the pub will set her in good stead going forward.
She said: "Being in charge is definitely a lot different, but I really am loving it.
“It`s quite a steep learning curve but also extremely exciting too.
“I know the pub really well already. I’ve only ever worked at one other place in my entire life, and that wasn’t for very long.
“Pubs today are so much more than places to have a beer or something to eat.
“Joseph Holt pubs are at the heart of their communities and host so many activities, social groups, and events.
“For example, we’ve just started holding free salsa classes which cater for all levels of experience. It really is an open invitation to come and enjoy the rhythms of this wonderful Latin dance.
“We also launched a new menu yesterday. We’ve kept all the pub classics, but we’re now doing small plates, a bit like tapas. They’re lovely. You get a taste of everything.
“We also just reduced the draft beer prices here at the Clock Tower. Joseph Holt always aims to be great value.”
Zoe’s appointment reflects the ethos of Joseph Holt, according to the brewery’s operations director, Mark Norbury.
“Joseph Holt has been in the same family for six generations, and this year celebrates its 175th anniversary,” he said.
“We offer so many career opportunities, and many entry level staff have worked their way up to managing their own pubs. Zoe is a great example of this, as well as a huge asset to the brewery.
“We're all delighted to see her hard work, enthusiasm and enterprise being recognised at such a young age.
“I`m sure under her stewardship the Clock Tower will go from strength to strength.”
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