The Pub and the People

The Pony & Trap is a 200 year old country pub situated between the cities of Bristol and Bath.

Upon chef Josh Eggleton's arrival in March 2006, a full refurbishment followed and the pub's traditional features were lovingly restored.

Over the past 5 years, with the help of a dedicated team, the Eggleton family have taken The Pony & Trap from strength to strength.

The menu is varied and changes daily but the emphasis is on simplicity.

Sourcing all fresh ingredients as locally as possible from a network of valued suppliers, the majority of meats, vegetables and fruits are all produced within just a few miles.

Committed to producing simple yet high quality food, The Pony & Trap was awarded a Michelin Star in the 2011 Michelin Guide, Great Britain and Ireland, which was retained for 2012 in October.

Josh Eggleton

Born and raised in the area, Josh commenced his culinary career at the age of 15 in his local chippy. Realising early on that he held a passion for food, at 17 he began his career in earnest working in a local Chew Magna pub. Developing his talents, in 2003, the young chef triumphed in the Gordon Ramsay College Scholar competition, confirming he was destined for a bright future in the industry.

Following his success in this much coveted competition; Josh spent his early career developing his craft in Bristol’s harbourside restaurant the Olive Shed. After 2 years as Head Chef, Josh embarked on a journey that took him across the globe. He experienced working with the best chefs in some of the world’s finest restaurants including Sicily’s il Mulinazzo, the New York institution, Chanterelle and the 3 Michelin starred French Laundry of California. After a 3 month spell taking in cuisines of Italy, France and the USA, Josh turned down a number of job offers determined to return home and set up a restaurant of his own.

At 22, with the backing of his family, in 2006 Josh soon became one of the youngest pub and restaurant proprietors in the country by taking over The Pony & Trap.

You can email Josh at josh@theponyandtrap.co.uk

The Staff

  • Alex Eggington
    Head Chef
    Kitchen

    Head Chef Alex has worked with Josh for over 3 years now. He first joined as part of Josh's team that worked at The Compton Inn but moved to The Pony & Trap once that pub was sold. An incredibly hard working and talented chef, Alex has does an amazing job of maintaining high standards while pushing things forward in the kitchen.


  • Andy Arthur
    Kitchen Porter
    Kitchen

    Andy is our full time KP and an essential team member. He has been with the pub for a long time doing key jobs washing up, helping with the grounds, and looking after the chickens. His hard work does not go unnoticed.


  • Eric Maslon
    Event Chef
    Kitchen

    Along with Miles Cooper, Eric was one of the first chefs that Josh ever worked with. The talented Frenchman took Josh under his wing while working at the Bear & Swan, Chew Magna and taught him a huge amount in his first post. Eric now does most of the event catering for both The Pony & Trap and Food For Thought.


  • Miles Cooper
    Event Chef
    Kitchen

    Along with Eric Maslon, Miles was one of the first chefs Josh ever worked with and convinced him to take an apprenticeship in cooking. Miles has worked in The Pony & Trap kitchen on and off since the beginning but has predominantly worked events. Furthermore, a man of considerable talent, Miles has undertaken nearly all of the carpentry and building work over the past 5 years.


  • Matt Holgate
    Sous Chef
    Kitchen

    One of our resident South Africans, Matt loves working, loves being a chef and loves dishing out the stick! A real grafter, he has a really bright future ahead of him in the industry.


  • Megan Haley
    Front of House and Administration
    Front of House

    Josh's better half Meg works Front of House at the pub, and also helps run the office with Gail. Putting up with Josh's hours and moods she has the patience of a saint, and the pub would not be the same without her. Meg is great with customers and works at most of our events. Along with Zoe, she is a resident wine buff and is currently studying wine courses.


  • Domhnaill Barnes
    Bar Manager
    Front of House

    Our bar manager for over 3 years, Domhnaill is a big man with a big personality! He has a huge knowledge of drinks and takes pride in the maintenance of hs cellar. Professional and hard working, if you want to know something about food, wine, spirits, cheese - or anything in general - just ask Domhnaill.


  • Hollie Eggleton
    Front of House Manager
    Front of House

    Hollie is the heartbeat of the pub. Along with Josh she has been there from the start serving, cleaning, watering plants, doing rotas and all manner of other jobs! She sets the standard front of house and creates the personality of the pub. She works incredibly hard and were it not for her neither The Pony & Trap or Food For Thought would be here.


  • Devilliers Van den Brink
    Restaurant Manager
    Front of House

    One half of our South African duo, D has previously run restaurants and brings with him a wealth of experience and a high level of customer service. Friendly and approachable, D is a big hit with our customers.


  • Zoe Coombs
    Front of House
    Front of House

    With the team from the start, zoe works for Matthew Clark and is our resident wine expert. She creates all the wine list with Domhnaill and has worked part time Front of House since we opened. Her enthusiasm for the pub is second to none.


  • Gail Eggleton
    Admin Manager
    Behind the Scenes

    Gail is the person who really knows what is going on at the pub as not only does she do all the administration and bookwork, but she can often be found washing up, serving in the restaurant or working a special event! Gail is always on hand to help out and does everything with a smile on her face.


  • Chris Eggleton
    General
    Behind the Scenes

    The business brain behind the operation, Chris is responsible for marketing, expansion projects and building work. He's always on hand at events and also helps with finances and legalities. In another important job, he also plays his part in making sure the locals are kept well oiled!

     


  • Scott Eggleton
    General
    Behind the Scenes

    A full time project manager for a building consultancy firm, Scott is often drafted to help out at weekend events. He can turn his hand to most things and has been there from the start working at events, on the bar and in the kitchen.


  • Nick Roberts
    Media Support
    Behind the Scenes

    One of our former barmen, Nick now helps out with our media profile and runs our social media, website and PR.