We probed the mind of Joycelyn Neve , the brains behind Lancashire's fastest-growing gastro pub company, The Seafood Pub Co.
1. You’ve really taken the Lancashire dining scene by storm, what do you put your success down to?
That’s a very nice thing to say. Growing up with catering and produce all around you means you live and breathe it. A combination of having the best quality ingredients, big personalities and determination to develop a refreshingly different experience is what the SPC is all about. What we do is different enough to make us stand out, but is accessible and affordable meaning there is something for everyone, not just fish!
2. What has been your greatest challenge within the Seafood Pub Company to date?
Hmmm only one?! I tend to wear rose tinted glasses and see the best in situations, however challenging. Recently going into bedrooms has been the most rewarding challenge. We have accommodation now at 3 locations Derby Arms-Longridge, Barley Mow- Pendle, Assheton Arms -Downham and soon to be at The Fenwick – Lancaster. This has opened up the whole of the UK market to us -- it’s amazing how far people travel to eat our food and stay the night. But there’s plenty that goes on behind the scenes with accommodation, I’m glad we’ve got a slick system in place now.
3. We’ve heard whispers that you were once a model – is that true?
Yes, after leaving at school and whilst at Liverpool University I did a good 5 years modelling. It was great for travelling and meeting people – and graduating without the debt.
4. Social media has significantly changed the way people interact with restaurants, how do you see social media shaping the future of the dining scene?
Social media plays an important part in our marketing activity and because of the daily changing specials it allows our food to be shown in real time. It is also an important method of two way communication with our customers, we love it when people post and tweet their food pics, we have some good photographers in our customer base. We’re about to launch our Seafood Pub Company app which links our social media, website and our loyalty scheme, I really think people are going to love it.
5. What do you think of the increasing popularity of street food and pop up restaurants and would you consider creating a Seafood Pub Co pop up?
We’re big fans of pop up restaurants; we already have our pop up. You can see us every year at Clitheroe Food Festival and Nelson and Colne College where the students join the team. We also do private or individual events – this year we are at Game Festival as the Farmers Arms (Great Eccleston) pop up.
6. What’s your favourite fish dish at the moment? (We love recommendations here at Sugarvine it’s an excuse to go out to eat!)
Such a hard question…. On the new menu at the Assheton Arms the tikka spiced monkfish with split pea dahl, king prawn pakoras and mint yoghurt dressing is just WOW. But I also love the simple fish finger sandwich on the lunch menus. And when it’s cold the Goosnargh chicken and ham hock pot pie is my favourite. At the weekend though I always want specials, sometimes I’ll pretend to pre-order for a customer which I’ll normally go for crab or oysters but actually it’s for me! I could write a book just listing dishes! I just love good food.
7. We hear you’ve got plans to expand into the Lake District, where have you set your sights on? Or is it top secret….go on give us a scoop!
Our next site will see us expanding into South West Lancashire with the Town Green Brasserie in Ormskirk and then after that we are looking at potential sites in Cheshire, Yorkshire and the Lake District. I promise to tell you first though.
8. If you could share a plate of oysters with anyone who would it be?
I’m such a daddy’s girl. It’s got to be the main man Chris Neve and my partner and the SPC exec chef Antony Shirley. We’re a really close family so I’d want them all there in the garden at my parents with dogs. I’m lucky enough to get invited to lots of industry and cool events so getting to see my family is the real treat.
9. Being a Lancashire Lass, what’s your favourite spot for a lazy picnic on a balmy summer’s afternoon here in beautiful Lancashire?
The last time I tried to have a picnic I got swarmed by midges, so not there. A picnic has to be Pendle Hill and marching to the top works up a good appetite. We’re really lucky to have pubs in some of Lancashire’s best locations, but Downham is pretty hard to beat. The way the village has been preserved with no road markings and overhead cables means you could be back in the 17th Century in the blink of an eye. Sat on the front terrace having a sharing platter and Prosecco is perfect for me.
10. Last but not least. Where do you like to eat out?
I’ve always got a list I’m working my way through, a lot of them a bit further afield or in London. I love eating a plate of food in lot of places. Grazing through Soho, one of which is always dim sum at Yauatcha. The Star at Harome is amazing, I love everything about it, especially the seafood. Locally the Freemasons at Wiswell is my favourite place for fine dining. Pub-wise, I like the Parkers Arms at Newton-by-Bowland.
Listed in the NRB top 50 2014 as one of the most important and influential individuals within Northern hospitality, MD Joycelyn Neve is going from strength to strength. Founded in 2010, The Seafood Pub Company is driven by her passion for delivering the best quality ingredients but in a relaxed and accessible way. The Neve family has roots in the fishing industry stretching back generations; hence the aptly named Seafood Pub Company. Joycelyn’s father Chris Neve uses his unrivalled experience to source the finest quality produce from sea and shore. Joycelyn studied geography at Liverpool University and had plans to become a commodity analyst advising investment companies. However, growing up around catering the food industry had left a lasting impression, so after working in events, followed by six months studying the coastal food industry in South America, Neve’s love of food and the hospitality industry led her to the role of managing director at the Seafood Pub Company. A passionate and committed team throughout means the Seafood Pub Company offers a unique dining experience at venues across the North West.Seafood Pub Company Venues: The Oyster and Otter The Assheton Arms The FenwickFarmers ArmsDerby ArmsBarley Mow
Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Cheers
Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers