Meet The Team: Yann Roberts

What attracted you to the role of General Manager at Bel & The Dragon Churt? I have worked in the hospitality industry for the last 25 years, starting out as a Chef and moving to the front of house after two years. I have worked in a very wide range of businesses from brasseries to beach bars, conveyor belt sushi restaurants to top London nightclubs. I enjoy a challenge and saw a real opportunity to help develop and grow the Bel & The Dragon brand. What did you do before you joined Bel & The Dragon? In 2010 I created a contemporary pub group called The Jam Tree. For eight years I owned and ran two very busy food focused pubs in Clapham and Chelsea, winning several awards with London Evening Standard and Time Out. I sold The Jam Trees to The City Pub Company PLC in the summer of 2018. Sounds interesting... You must have some stories to tell? Actually two years ago we hosted the Kensington Palace Christmas Party which was discreetly booked under an unknown email address. Imagine our surprise when Prince Harry, Prince William and Kate turned up with their entourage. They helped the waiting team serve the food and came into the kitchen afterwards to thank the chefs.

Tell us a little more about you...

I have lived in Surrey for the last 6 years and am settled with my family here. My partner Emma and I live in Send with our sons Dylan (9) and Louis (7). I am a family man and love nothing more than spending time with my children. My eldest son has Autism and ADHD and although his behaviours can sometimes be challenging and he needs a lot of support, he has a unique outlook on life which is really inspirational.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am an avid watcher of crime series box sets and sports, in particular of the England Cricket Team, who I go and watch when I can. I have absolutely loved this summer of cricket!

Anything else you want to tell us? Our beautiful Country Inn has had a fresh lick of paint and the new signage aligns with our updated branding. We are fully open for business and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you! Do please introduce yourself to me when you next visit us!