Staff
At The Ferry Ale House they have a crew of senior staff with diverse and mixed backgrounds that each brings their own individual skills to their job, most of them having been with the company since their opening night.
Their publican Andrew Norton is closely associated with Linwood Rugby, where he worked prior to opening The Ferry Ale House in 2008. With no previous hospitality experience, he has used his excellent manner with people, to build The Ferry Ale House into the favourite of so many locals. In his spare time Andy indulges in frustrating the staff, writing horrendous rosters and generally getting under our feet, whilst drinking endless 12oz beers.
Their Bar Manager Gareth Higgins has worked previously in London and his homeland of South Africa both front of house and in various kitchens. Having been with the company for five years, he has helped shape the face of Ferrymead since it opened, with his extensive wine and beverage knowledge, hands on attitude and, combined with his ongoing commitment, also landed himself the title of Bar Manager of The Year in 2009 at the Canterbury Hospitality Awards. In his spare time, he enjoys golfing, learning to surf and sampling the other culinary offers in Christchurch.
Working closely with Gareth, is their Restaurant Manager Joe who has previously worked at Rossendale Winery and also been with the company since its opening service. Having lent his cheeky sense of humour to proceedings over the years has helped shape the image of The Ferry Ale House.
Supporting the two senior managers are their three duty managers, Emma, Nick and Emma. Despite the similarities in name, their backgrounds and the circumstances leading to them working as team, couldn’t be more different. With a mix of carnival work, bar work in London and Indian dining, they each lend their own unique set of skills to the mix at The Ferry Ale House.
Emma joined us four years ago, starting at our sister restaurant The Bealey Avenue Speights Ale House.
Nick started with the company last year, working in the CBD at Yellow Cross Brewing Company up until February this year.
Our other Emma joined us two years ago, an integral part of keeping the balance of the sexes even in their senior management.
All of the duty managers enjoy socialising together when they get the chance. On any given day, you’ll find one, if not more behind the bar, overseeing the day to day running of The Ferry Ale House supported by their junior staff. The Ferry Ale House has seen many part time staff over their 3 years of trading, a mix of travellers, university students, industry professionals and the occasional unique individuals. With a reputation for retaining staff (for an average of three years) the mix of personalities lends itself to an excellent working environment, where they can all strive to serve the best of the South in our own friendly, down to earth way.
