Ellie Roebuck completes Joseph Holt training course at pub that shares her name

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 13:52

By David Murphy

A 23-year-old pub worker from Alkrington has taken the next step towards her dream of running her own pub, graduating from a pioneering training scheme at the very venue that shares her surname.

Ellie Roebuck, a team member at The Roebuck pub in Alkrington, has completed a bespoke career progression course run by Manchester brewery Joseph Holt. Despite no connection between her and the pub’s name, the coincidence often causes confusion among regulars.

“People always think it’s a family business,” Ellie said. “It’s not, but I do want to have my own place one day, so working at The Roebuck feels like a good omen.”

The Roebuck, formerly known as Thornberries, was renamed after a £1.5 million refurbishment by the brewery. Locals were invited to vote on the name, and opted to restore its original 1961 title.

Ellie first worked in pubs aged 16, then returned to the industry two years ago after exploring other careers. Since rejoining, she has risen to bar supervisor and now counts herself among 17 employees who have completed Joseph Holt’s company-wide development programme.

The 176-year-old brewery, which owns 127 pubs across the North West, has created the scheme to support staff in developing the skills needed to manage a pub.

Led by Chloe Deakin, Joseph Holt’s training and development manager, the course includes leadership, staff relations, kitchen operations and even self-awareness coaching. Chloe herself began working in pubs as a teenager, running her own at 19.

“Even if someone joins us for a casual role, we encourage them to think long-term,” she said. “Our progression course makes that possible.”

Graduates were celebrated at a ceremony at The Woodthorpe in Prestwich, where certificates were presented by chief executive Richard Kershaw, the fifth-generation head of the Holt family business.

He said: “We want people to see this as the start of a career, not a stopgap. Whether you’re young or returning to work, you can progress right through to running one of our pubs.”

Ellie has already served as a relief manager and remains focused on her goal.

“I used to think it was just a job,” she said. “But I love the variety, the people and the way pubs bring communities together. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and working somewhere with my name on the sign gives me extra motivation.”