In the Ribble Valley village of Old Langho, The Black Bull has become known for what many gastro pubs aim to deliver: standout food, great service, and a team that holds it all together. But behind every well-run service is the reality of rota gaps, last-minute call-ins, and the pressure of delivering quality day after day.
That’s where Ginger Hospitality has stepped in, not just as a supplier of Hospitality Relief Staff, but as a real recruitment partner.
“They know me as a person. They know the business because they come into here. They take time to get to know who you are. So you get the right person.”
— Rebecca Govier, Owner, The Black Bull
The Pressure of a Gastro Pub Kitchen
Gastro pubs aren’t just busy. They’re high-standard, high-pressure environments. And as Rebecca puts it, “You can’t function and run a business without every single cog in the machine, from your bar to your KP to your floor.”
When someone calls in sick or doesn’t turn up, service is on the line. But it’s not just about filling the shift. It’s about making sure the guest experience doesn’t suffer. That’s why Rebecca doesn’t rely on agencies who just send whoever’s available.
“Lots of these recruitment agencies, they’re faceless. Ginger isn’t. When someone doesn’t come in, they replace that and enable us to carry on and serve excellence.”
Relief That Actually Works
The Ginger Hospitality team has supported The Black Bull across both kitchen and Front of House, from short-notice cover to longer-term support. Rebecca works closely with Hannah, who’s been known to respond to requests from festivals and even holidays.
“You’ll get late-night texts and SOS calls, like the bat sign goes up in the air, and she actually finds someone. But not just anybody. Someone that really did suit us.”
That kind of rota support, at the right time, with the right fit, has helped keep service flowing and stress down. And it’s not just about ticking boxes.
“It isn’t just any Tom, Dick or Harry off the street. They spend a lot of time to try and find the right person, with the right qualities.”
Permanent Placements with Impact
The relationship isn’t limited to Relief. Rebecca credits Ginger Hospitality with some of their strongest Permanent Hospitality Staff, including a standout Head Chef at sister site Edisford Bridge.
“He’s just outstanding. I don’t think he wanted to settle down into a full-time job, but after speaking to Ginger and ourselves, we’ve really found a great guy.”
One name that stands out is Daniel Merriman, who joined The Black Bull through Ginger, then went on to win MasterChef: The Professionals.
“When he came to us, he’d left Northcote and wanted a different angle on his career. And now look, it’s a real accolade.”
A Partnership That Feels Personal
The message that comes through strongest isn’t about volume. It’s about trust, fit, and people. Rebecca explains that other agencies may have more people on their books, but it’s the personal relationship with Ginger Hospitality that makes the difference.
“You could put a candidate in another venue, and on paper they might be right, but not for here. It’s about knowing the business closely enough to know they’ll fit with the team and suit your clientele.”
That deep understanding allows Ginger to support The Black Bull through everything from rota gaps to big recruitment decisions and removes a huge burden from the day-to-day.
“I work here virtually seven days a week. When you’re as busy as I am, recruitment takes time. Ginger takes that away. It’s just fixed. It helps me massively.”
Final Thoughts
The Black Bull’s story is one of hard work, high standards, and genuine care for every guest. It’s also a story of what happens when recruitment is done right — with trust, attention, and the right people for the job.
“There isn’t another agency I would ever recommend. Because I know they can provide the right candidates — especially within the Ribble Valley.”
Whether you’re running a high-end gastro pub or an independent local venue, the pressure is real. Ginger Hospitality is here to relieve it with relief staff who show up ready, and permanent hires who raise the standard.
