Jumping Jack gets behind the bar

Jack Lee has come in from the cold after taking over at The King’s Arms, the Arkell’s Brewery-owned hotel at Malmesbury.

After eight years working for an equestrian contractor building fences for competitions, equine schools and owners across Europe, he ‘jumped’ at the chance to run this small town hotel.

But Jack (28) has ‘form’ in the licensed trade too.

Having grown up in Malmesbury, his first part time job was in the pot wash at The King’s Arms, but he was quickly promoted to waiter. He’s also worked behind the bar in some of the town’s other pubs.

Jack decided to apply for the King’s Arms manager job when he heard that the previous landlords had decided to move on. “Working in equestrian fencing was fine, but I knew I could run a business,” he said.

“When I saw the opportunity to take on such a fantastic small hotel as The King’s Arms I reckoned I was in the right place at the right time. It’s not often you get an opportunity like this.”

Brewery director, George Arkell, was delighted to hear from Jack. “It’s great to get someone from the local community, who knows the hotel and many of its customers already.

“This year we’re investing heavily in training across our pubs with new apprenticeships in customer service as well as cellar training to support all those working in our pubs and hotels. He’s got some great ideas for the hotel and we’re really looking forward to working with him.

Jack added: “It’s quite a surprise to be running the hotel where I got my first job. I can say that I know the business from the bottom up!”