Last updated at 12:16, Tuesday, 27 November 2012

JULIE Matthews is co-owner of the Queens Arms pub, in Biggar Village, Walney.

FRIENDLY PUB: Julie Matthews when she took over the Queen’s Arms in Biggar Bank, Walney in March 2010. The pub is now listed in the Good Beer Guide

What was your first job?

In a fish and chip shop in Bolton. It was within walking distance of my house.

How did you get your current job?

Mary Rudkin and I bought the pub back in March 2010.

Describe the company you own in one sentence.

It’s a homely, friendly pub which is part of the community.

How many hours do you work a week?

It’s easier to say the hours I don’t work! I get up at 9am and work until 1am.

How many people are you responsible for?

We’ve got five employees. Most are part time and have got a manager who’s full time.

What’s your greatest achievement?

Within six months of opening we had got pub of the season from Camra. Also, this year we are in the Good Beer Guide! We’re the only pub in Barrow in the guide.

What gives you the biggest work buzz?

Seeing people happy and seeing them enjoying themselves. We have live music, so seeing the place packed!

What’s your motto at work?

Don’t talk about it, do it!

What’s the best thing about being a boss?

The best thing is having an idea and seeing it through to the end.

What’s the worst thing about being a boss?

The hours! The worst thing is never having time off.

What’s your favourite website?

Facebook. Keeps us up to date all over the world.

Your first car?

I had an old style Mini.

How do you relax?

Reading and listening to music.

What’s the best thing about doing business in Cumbria?

The best thing is the people.

If we arrived at your office today, what item might we be surprised to find on your desk?

The amount of instruments! There’s three guitars, two drums and a triangle. We’ve even got toys for the kids.

Something your employees would be surprised to find out about you...

I don’t think they would be surprised about anything.

First published at 12:12, Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk