Hudsons — Restaurant in Great Britain

I'm an engineer working in pubs across the north of the UK, so get to see behind the scenes at many, many places owned by different pub chains.

Hudsons is about the cleanest pub I have ever visited, both front of house, and, more significantly, back of house, too. You really can judge a place, and how its run, by what's behind closed doors.

Visiting this week, the prospect of spending time a pub on the edge of a shopping centre, opposite a bus station, in a new town wasn't something I was looking forward to. However, seeing the public areas for the first time at "early o'clock" with no-one in them made me think that the place had just been freshly-refurbished. Not so - the last makeover was three years ago. It's a credit to how the place is run that it is so strikingly smart.

I can usually get the measure of a pub manager within less than a minute, and Graeme impressed me with his friendliness, knowledge of the business, and enthusiasm for cask ale. Some managers are obviously just "doing a job". Graeme seems to genuinely enjoy what he's doing, and understands it well. Typically, a good manager will mean the pub is well-managed on all levels.

Astonishingly, the bar tops were treated with spray polish, dazzlingly shiny, and you could probably flick a beer mat along the full 20 foot length of one, and have it fall off the end. In some other places, I avoid touching the bar top at all, as I may struggle to prise my hand off it. Spilled drink mess, dried out, makes a good adhesive. Landlords, don't try and cover it up with clutter, as we can still tell...

Some pubs, like people, are immaculate but dull. Not so here. There's obviously a core of daytime regulars. Typically, in other pubs, these can be "characterful" sorts. There was great craic between bar staff and the semi-residents. A calm and fun atmosphere, not drink-fuelled edgy like other places I've worked. Sadly, some pubs seem to be day-care centres for those on the edge of society. "Care in the Community" with a pint.

Three or four casks were on. Being a CAMRA member, I could talk vaguely intelligently with Graeme about what "moves", why it sells, and other such beery babble. The cellar is obviously well-managed.

Hao, the assistant manager (I think - certainly the "boss lady" despite any titles...) really did made me smile with whip-smart wit, classic Glaswegian "in-your-face, but friendly" banter, mixed in with that classic Far Eastern charming abruptness, a formidable combination. She kept me watered with Diet Coke with fresh lemons and limes. Very much appreciated, and another small sign of the pub truly understanding hospitality. Much slicing of limes and lemons was going on, another telling attention to detail. Compare and contrast with the festering three-day-old ones slung in drinks in other pubs.

Do I sound impressed? I spend a lot of time in these places, acting like a dumb engineer but observing closely. Hudsons really was outstanding, a refreshing place to visit after hard and grimy work in other less-well-managed places. They deserve success, and...

I have been in Hudson's a couple of times now since the relaxing if the lockdown rules.

One thing that strikes me everytime I come in is the warm welcome and clear explanation of what is required during my stay.

Hao always makes me (and everyone else I overhear) feel welcome and safe in what is clearly a difficult time for everyone involved.

Each time I come in it seems like there are new, improved ways to make my stay feel more enjoyable despite the restrictions in atmosphere (music, football etc).

This tells me that the staff are understanding of the continuous changes to the covid rules and proves that they are dynamic in their approach and genuinely have the best interests of their customers and staff.

Their dedication to safety is clear.

I myself work customer facing, and I can say with certainty how difficult it is to try and manage people's expectations and I can see that the staff genuinely care about the customer experience.

It isn't easy working in the current climate but you'd never know that from the way in which the Hudson's staff work.

Well...

BRILLIANT pub to meet your friends for a drink. The service is rapid and staff are so friendly. The locals are very welcoming too. The Guinness is superb..great pint..reasonably priced. They have deals on during the week Monday to Thursdays..Tennents & Cider £3.05 and John Smiths £ 2.85….great value. I’ve been to the Bingo once on a Thursday afternoon and what an amazing time we had. My friends and I were apprehensive at first but Hao talked us into playing! It was such a laugh…we didn’t win but the atmosphere was brilliant!! I totally recommend this wee pub…proper boozer with really chill...