Riverdene landlord wins Star Pubs best newcomer award

Darren Head took over The Riverdene in Windrush Close in July last year with no previous pub experience and a lot of family backing. Just under 12 months on, he says the journey has "massively exceeded" everything he hoped for.

"Obviously, when I spoke to you last time, I'd never run a pub before," he said, "It was all completely new to me.

"Since then, everyone always says it's just such a lovely vibe, we've had little to no trouble at all, and it's just got a real nice, friendly atmosphere."

Darren turned around the Riverdene in under a year (Image: Newsquest)

Darren was quick to stress the award belongs to his whole team, many of whom have been with him from day one. He pays special tribute to Cheryl, who he calls "the brains of the operation," handling ordering and keeping things running smoothly. "Pretty much all the staff who started with me are still here. Everyone just kind of had to learn as we go," he said.

His family remain central too, with his brothers, sister and brother-in-law all regularly helping out.

It has not all been plain sailing, and Darren referred to his early days in charge as a "baptism of fire", facing a glass washer breakdown, a chiller failure and a gas leak - yet the first-time landlord was able to overcome these tests. Darren also laughs off his own organisational challenges, saying that his ADHD and his scattered energy is "hilarious" for his staff to navigate.

"Behind the scenes it's all working really well. It doesn't seem the most professional from the outside looking in, but we do run a steady ship," he added.

The pub has become a real community hub. The darts team now fields two sides and has won the league twice in a row, and there are two pool teams as well as the Riverdene Royals football team. A monthly quiz night, regular karaoke and a Monday open mic night - which has seen performers as young as eight take the stage - all draw loyal crowds.

Darren's shiny award (Image: Newsquest)

A recent charity night for a local woman battling bowel cancer sold out instantly. "It was full to the rafters, and there were people outside - it was just such a good night, for such a good cause," Darren added.

With the World Cup approaching, Darren is planning DJ sets to build atmosphere before late kick-offs, and a reggae event with local sound system Track One Downbeat is lined up in the near future. A first anniversary party on July 31 is also in the works.

Food partner Will's Meals remains a permanent fixture, with Darren joking that he finds it difficult not to eat al the time.

Darren is also investing in the garden and upgrading the TVs throughout the pub. Rooms are also available to hire for parties, and Darren said "nearly every occasion you can imagine" has been held in the pub.

Darren reiterated that his first year of success couldn't have been done without his team, saying, "That's why I've been so, so lucky."