Based in a historic 250-year-old boat warehouse, which was converted into a pub around 60 years ago, The Riverside in the picturesque Lechlade has been part of the Arkells Brewery Estate since 2011. With space for 250 people outside, The Riverside is blessed with what has to be one of the UK’s most beautiful beer gardens and caters for an additional 100 covers inside.
General Manager and sometimes Chef Gareth Chapman took the reins in April 2021 as lockdown finished and the on-trade began to open up. After ditching biology and physics at college for a hospitality course, Gareth never looked back and embarked on a successful career as a chef in hotels and pubs before winning his dream job at The Riverside.
“My first day was literally the first day back after lockdown last April so it has been full-on but last year ended up being a record-breaking year and we have high hopes and targets for an even bigger 2022. My role is General Manager but having a background as a professional chef definitely helps when creating new dishes and menus, plus during busy periods or when people are sick or on holiday.” Says Gareth.
“We offer classic pub food but we also have our Pizza Locker concept, which is being run by Toby Parris, a young 22-year-old chef who first started working for me as a 16-year-old and who I brought with me to The Riverside. The Pizza Locker has its own special area and oven on the side of the building, making outdoor service very easy.“
Click here for the recipe.
