The only way is up for the Downs!

Jacqui and Mike Down, owners of the Volunteer Inn in Ottery St Mary, are celebrating a successful first five years at the pub.

The couple, who took on the Volunteer with a view to revitalising it as a traditional town centre pub, first opened the doors as landlords in March 2012.

Jacqui said: “So much has changed since we decided to give the Volunteer a new lease of life; from a rather rundown location the pub has turned into a vibrant meeting place for people from all walks of life.

“Some customers just want a pint and a chat, others come for a meal with friends.”

The pub remains very much a local pub with darts and Eucher teams, along with homecooked pub food including roasts and seasonal specials.

In 2015, the pair unveiled a new look for the rear of the pub, including a contemporary dining area, outdoor deck and, luxury themed toilets. Next on the agenda, they say, are plans to extend the kitchen to include a walk-in fridge freezer. They also intend to make a start on the disabled toilets.

“There’s so much more we’re planning to do but of course it takes time to get the necessary work done when you’re running a business at the same time,” explained Mike. “You have to carefully plan to make sure the next steps are the right ones.”

Jacqui and Mike are delighted with the support they have received from people in the town, and also acknowledge the role that their loyal team of employees play in the ongoing success of the business.

It’s a two-way process and the pair look after their staff, too. The latest recruit, Aled Foley said: “There’s a brilliant atmosphere here - when I started it was just like walking into a new family.”

The Downs are committed to training and are looking into NVQs for Aled, who will also be getting a personal licence enabling him to be responsible for serving alcohol. Hannah Cureton, who has been at the Volunteer since Mike and Jacqui took it on, has passed her first exam in AAT (Association of Accountancy Technicians) Level 2 Accountancy & Bookkeeping with Accountancy Learning and is moving on to the next stage. Gemma Luscombe and Charlotte Wills are both near the end of Level 2 NVQs in Hospitality and will shortly be registered for their Level 3 courses starting later in the year.

With a visit to New Zealand planned in June to visit their son, Haydon who is currently on a rugby tour down under, Jacqui and Mike are confident that their experienced team will hold the fort admirably in their absence.

http://volunteerinnottery.co.uk/