JOIN US ON THE EMBANKMENT
Peach is a collection of really great pubs, mainly in market towns in the heart of England. Situated waterside, we’re very fortunate to benefit from Bedford’s finest al fresco dining and drinking spot – even if we do say so ourselves. As a quality gastropub, we serve great ingredients and fresh, honest food in relaxed, welcoming surroundings, always with a kind word and a sense of fun. Today we have twenty one pubs in lovely towns and villages, and an undimmed devotion to Making life Peachy. We have always been passionate about giving back and as we’ve developed and grown over the years, our ability and motivation to make the world a little better, a little peachier, has grown with us. The Bigger Peach shows our efforts to improve communities, equality in the workplace, and the future sustainability of our world. Our achievements were recognised in 2022, when we won Best Sustainable Pub Company at the Publican Awards, and we’re also three star accredited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
Soak up the sun, atmosphere and beautiful waterside views whilst enjoying a bite to eat, a cocktail, or a glass of award-winning wine from our drinks list. We serve food all day and children are welcome to enjoy smaller portions of any of our dishes, or ask to see our children’s menu. We take huge pride in serving the best ingredients we can find, from ethical producers, freshly prepared by our chefs. We’re dog friendly in our bar and outdoor areas, bring your furry friend and stop by soon. On our bar you’ll find a great range of spirits, beers and softs, so whether you pop in for a drink, a business lunch or a special dinner, we promise you a friendly welcome. Find us here.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Michelle & the team
Michelle Bennett, General Manager
Born and bred in Bedford, there can be no one more qualified to sit behind the wheel aboard the good ship Embankment.
Michelle studied Criminology at University but was soon drawn to a life in hospitality when she took her first role in a high street bar as a part time job. Falling in love with the people, the atmosphere, the passion and fun behind what she was serving, she knew then that a so called ‘normal job’ was not for her and that hospitality was her calling.
Michelle has had an incredible journey so far, working for some of the leading pubs and restaurant groups across the UK. Shaping not only her leadership skills but learning a great deal about food and drink, in her words, “more so drink”. She has worked in some beautiful venues across the country including Mayfair in London, the beautiful quayside in Newcastle and a renovated church in Nottingham.
Joining The Embankment Michelle was delighted to become a part of something local that was right on her doorstep, bang in the heart of the community she admires. Michelle choose Peach Pubs because of our refreshing approach to really caring about our team and communities as well as the autonomy given to our managers to really make their pubs, their own.
Michelle has a very strict daily routine of a cuppa in bed with the Hubby and a good read of the daily newspapers. So, pop down to The Embankment to say hi, who knows what great conversations will be had!
Simon Harris, Head Chef
Simon’s inspiration for being a chef was seeing his Dad cook Sunday lunch and the family sitting round the table tucking in. Being able to make people happy through food just seemed right. So he went to Bedford College to get his whites whilst working at The Bedford Swan hotel learning the ropes. Hungry to learn more, Simon cooked at Brasserie Blanc in Milton Keynes, soaking up all he could from Monsieur Blanc’s classically trained brigade. With the move back to The Bedford Swan a year later, Simon’s love affair with two classic Bedfordshire venues began in earnest. He spent the first part rising through the ranks at The Swan, taking the food to Rosette standard in a short time, before getting a new lease of life as sous chef at the fabulous Flitwick Manor Hotel. Simon was at the forefront of a successful team cooking fantastic quality cuisine for every occasion, from bespoke weddings to charity fundraisers and intimate dinners. Back in Bedford a couple of years later, Simon did a stint at The Swan before returning to Flitwick Manor to be their head chef. Recently shortlisted for Pub Restaurant Chef Award in the Craft Guild of Chef Awards, with all this amazing experience under his belt, our Embankment’s going to fly.
Jonathan Taylor, POD Director
Half Scouse and born in Bedfordshire, Jonathan (also known as JT) is a familiar face in the Peach team. Joining the hospitality game at 14, as a pot wash in a local restaurant, Jonathan’s career was soon flying. He moved on to The Birch, in Woburn, where he worked his way up to become assistant manager at just 18 (impressive indeed!). He then developed his skills with Peach during his twenties, where his hard work was nationally recognised, winning an Acorn Award in 2013. He then flew the nest for a few years before reuniting with us as a POD Director.
A true foodie, Jonathan believes real quality lies in local and spends much of his time seeking out independent restaurants, cafes and bars when away visiting different places. If you ask him about the best steak he’s ever had, he’ll be sure to tell you about a back street restaurant tucked away in Campos, Majorca, a place highly raved about by the locals. Along with a sharp taste for food, he has a passion for wine, and we can’t help but love his “I don’t drink bad wine – life’s too short” approach.
On his days off you’ll find Jonathan on the search for vintage watches, playing badminton for his local team, or making the best cauliflower cheese in the UK (a title awarded by his wife).
Say hi if you spot him in the pub!