Dorset pub St Leonard’s Hotel welcomes new manager

Thomas Roberts has started as manager at the St Leonard’s Hotel, in St Leonards near Ringwood - a role he says he is "ready, willing and able" to take on.

The Salisbury resident, better known as Tommy, officially took the reins before Christmas but is now ready to unveil his plans for the pub and hotel with residents.

He said: “We’re trying to give people more of a reason to visit. The plan is to not only reach out to a wider market, but the local community.”

Tommy has brought more than 20 years of experience with him to the St Leonard’s Hotel, with his previous role being as an area manager for an independent hotel and restaurant company based in Wiltshire.

New manager Tommy Roberts (Image: Thomas Roberts)

As well as updated menus, he is set to bring new events and socials to the St Leonard’s Hotel as a way of engaging with the surrounding community.

One of his plans is for a weekly coffee morning where residents can meet for hot drinks, cakes, and biscuits.

He said: “It’ll be for everyone, but mainly for the local community. This is part of re-engaging with them.”

Tommy has also revealed plans for other family fun days, and even an Only Fools and Horses themed night.

But the events schedule will be truly kickstarted with the ABBA night that he has organised for March.

The courtyard at St Leonard’s Hotel (Image: Thomas Roberts)

Tommy said: “I’m doing an Abba night on March 25, and I’ve managed to get probably the best Abba tribute in the country.

“They’re called Abalicious. They’re superb.”

Since joining at the end of last year, Tommy has also been working closely with staff to make improvements for them, as well as the customers.

He said: “We’ve been working behind the scenes with the team, getting them engaged and helping them to taking some pride and passion in what they’re doing.

“Obviously there are still challenges in the hospitality industry, but I’ve convinced the team now that these are opportunities, not challenges.”