DESPITE being named best manager by Wadworth brewery in its annual awards, Richard Jennings isn’t resting on his laurels as he strives to improve his Chippenham pub even further.

Since taking over The Pheasant, on Bath Road, in August 2011, Mr Jennings has taken the public house from strength to strength, increasing its turnover from £400,000 per year to £1.47 million in 2015.

The 47-year-old began his career aged 19, working in his aunt and uncle’s hotel in Guernsey. After following his dad, who was a darts player, to various pubs he decided that one day he wanted to run his own.

“When I took over, The Pheasant was in a good condition, it was just an ailing business that was not particularly well supported,” said Mr Jennings, who has been with his fiancé, Lesley, for 12 years and has two children, seven-year-old Jorja and Jack, aged four.

“The restaurant side of it was very quiet. Wadworth invested £450,000 to turn it into a carvery, we did our homework and looked around the area and there was nothing for miles so we thought let’s try our luck and we’ve not looked back since.”

Mr Jennings says his success and the success of The Pheasant would not be possible without his nearly 40-strong team of staff. “I have an awesome team, It’s like one big family and I think the customers see that,” he said.

“I try and lead from the front when I can because I think you have to if you want your team to perform in the best way possible. I’m not a manager that just stands by the bar.”

Mr Jennings is already looking towards his next challenge with the pub, which could see a 16-room accommodation block built in a £1 million investment by Wadworth.

“We’re just waiting for the planners but it’s going to create jobs as well, which is great,” added Mr Jennings.

“We looked at another area in the market and you’ve got two ends of the scale, you’ve got the Premier Inn and everyone knows it and the high end of the market with the Angel Hotel, so we want to be in between but there’s definitely a demand for rooms.

“I’m always looking for the next challenge.”