What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My day starts around 7pm with the dog (Nancy) licking my face, but I always wait for a cuppa from my lovely hubbie before getting on the move. I love my bed and am always loathe to get out.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is for wimps (ha ha!) and hotels, but I quite like a smoothie if I have time to make one.

First thing on your to-do list?

Becky Salisbury and dog — Becky and her dog, Nancy

Usually, it’s a long walk with Nancy and occasionally I’ll meet up with a pal and their pooches. Nancy needs a couple of hours every day, so it keeps us fit.

What time of day are you most productive?

Late afternoon into evening. It is probably down to decades in hospitality – I am most definitely a night owl!

Do you work mainly from the pub or at home?

I have an office at home now, but used to work in Frithsden back in the day when we ran five pubs. Now, we are happily back to just the one – The Alford Arms – and life is a little more flexible, although I try and make sure all my meetings are at the pub. I look after all the admin – staying on top of book keeping, HR, marketing, social media and menus along with myriad other things – with some part-time help. My inbox changes daily, so there’s never a dull moment.

You’re having lunch at the pub – what do you order?

I rarely get to eat lunch at the Alford, so David and I are always chuffed when a lunchtime meeting is suggested. I tend to go for something lighter and there are always some cracking vegan/vegetarian dishes that are my go to’s, even though I am a meat eater. I love the creativity coming out of the kitchen on our fortnightly changing menus.

You’re passionate about sustainability and local produce – tell us more…

Sustainability has been high on our agenda since we started, from using second-hand furniture in the pubs to a carefully chosen handful of local suppliers. Twenty-five years on and we just keep adding layers. We have just joined the Sustainable Restaurant Association, which should help us identify any gaps and we continue to track down local producers. We are very excited to be working with Max from Cheyney’s Permaculture in Northchurch who is a dab hand at growing Padrón Peppers amongst other things. Being in a Chilterns valley, we are firmly connected to the area and work closely with the community. This includes regular walks with the Chilterns Walking Festival, sponsoring the ‘Mighty Gad’ cricket team from Little Gaddesden and supporting the wonderful local charity, The Hospice of St Francis.

What inspires you?

Nature plays a big part in my life, but I also get a rush from creative people who put themselves out there and take risks. I am into great design and am wholeheartedly immersed in the food scene. I love nothing better than tracking down new eating experiences, whether it’s a new café, outdoor feast or an occasional dip into fine dining.

When does your typical working day finish?

Becky Salisbury — Becky and the Alford team. From middle to left: Chef, Jamie; Manager, James; Co-owner, Becky’s husband, David.

We are so lucky to have a great management team, so it is a rare thing to find David and I in the pub at locking-up time, although work rarely stops before 8pm. I like a clear desk, so it is a great feeling knowing that I have ticked everything off my list.

What’s the best thing about owning a pub?

The people, the people, the people! The team at The Alford Arms are amazing and many have been with us for years. We have met sooo many of our best pals over the bar, so sometimes it is hard to make the distinction between our workplace and our local!

What do you like to do with your down time?

I have just started piano lessons, so watch this space, although I’m not sure I’m a natural and find it tough to find time to practice – Must try harder! David and I love a bit of ‘kultcha’ and regularly head into London for a play, opera or ballet and we love nothing better than being at home and feeding a houseful of pals and family.

Are you watching or reading anything good at the moment?

I like a mixed bag and am currently reading the Ghost Ship by Kate Mosse. My fave recent read was The Boy & the Dog by Seishū Hase (it’s rare that a book makes me cry) and on my bedside table is Regenesis by George Monbiot, which may take a while to get through. As for TV, we got properly immersed in This Town on the BBC about the start of the Two Tone scene – the music was ace.

What time do you hit the sack?

Rarely before midnight and always wishing I’d packed up earlier! Old habits die hard, but thankfully I sleep like a log and anything over six hours does me fine.

A day in the life: Co-owner of the Alford Arms, Becky Salisbury

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