Hare and Hounds pub has a new landlord

The Hare and Hounds pub in Charlton Down has been bought by Rob Aiers, 60, who has had successful careers in aeronautical engineering and marketing.

This is his first stint in the pub business.

Hare and Hounds’ previous owners Elaine and Steve Mancini, who have been its owners for 14 years, sold the pub after deciding to retire.

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Rob said he went for Hare and Hounds because of its reputation.

“I can’t be more ecstatic about this new venture,” Rob said.

“It’s got great grounds, the food is great, and the customers love it.

“When I was in school I was always into food and cooking and I wanted to be a chef. But I was talked out of it by my parents who said I would be working when everyone else is enjoying themselves.

“Since my dad was an engineer, I also followed his path. Although it was a good career, it wasn’t what I really wanted to do. And when you get older you wonder whether you want to go back into a young person’s game. I have now been able to satisfy that by opening the pub.”

Although Rob is not planning to make big changes in the pub, he is planning to make the user interface “slicker”.

“For instance, they had a massive blackboard with a menu on it. We have changed it to paper menus on the table.

“We also have electronic ordering so that the bar becomes slicker. We can attend to customers with a bit more details and keep the customers happy.

“We have also retained all the staff. They are brilliant.”

Rob officially took over the keys to Hare and Hounds on Tuesday, February 15.

Former landlords of The Hare and Hounds, Steve and Elaine Mancini. Pic from 2017

Having grown up in Luton, Rob started his career as an aeronautical engineer in the Royal Air Force.

“I was there for 13 years. When I left I did a marketing qualification and for the next 10 years, I worked in marketing.

“The last job I did in marketing was at Thames Water from where I was made redundant. From there, I built a website on carbon monoxide that offers support to people affected by the deadly gas.

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“It required me to learn a lot more. So we recruited the foremost toxicologist onto our website who was based in America to answer medical questions and a lawyer to answer legal questions. Over time, I also studied law. Now I’m able to attend carbon monoxide cases. That’s how I made money that allowed me to buy this wonderful pub.”

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