A former soldier, who used to take orders, is now the one calling last orders as a countryside pub announces it's under new management.
The pub is tucked away in the countryside and has scenic views of an open field, but it's just under a 20-minute drive from Worcester City Centre.
Simon Gresty recently became the new landlord of The Berkeley on Evesham Road in Worcester.
The new landlord was in the army for six years.
Mr Gresty served in the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment as a soldier from the age of 19.
He said: "I joined the army because I wanted an adventure."
Mr Gresty also worked as the Queen's Guard when he was in the 1st battalion regiment amalgamated in 2007 to 2nd battalion the Mercian Regiment.
"When I left, I worked as an electrician and then I worked as an engineer."
But Mr Gresty said he was on the hunt for a new adventure this year and decided to take a new opportunity and become the new landlord for the countryside pub.
"I wanted a fresh challenge in my career," he said.
Mr Gresty has been the manager for just over a month and already has exciting ideas in mind.
"Two months ago, I would never have imagined this for myself.
"Running a pub is hard work, but I've always enjoyed serving people.
"When I was in the army, I felt like I was serving people.
"They build that pride in you.
"I enjoy serving people at the pub and providing a service and people have been really happy with what we have done so far."
The pub's carvery is a favourite and some diners have said it's the "best carvery around."
Mr Gresty has a few new ideas for the pub he is going to be introducing in the next few weeks.
A new outdoor bar is being built in the middle of the beer garden and should make service more efficient for summer customers. The new bar will be up and running in a few weeks.
The innovative landlord also wants to give his customers the 'best of both worlds.'
He has an indoor bar and pool area where people can listen to live music and enjoy a drink.
But another room with sit-down tables and table service.
Despite the cost of living crisis, Mr Gresty said pubs are really important parts of the community.
"It is a struggling trade, lots of pubs are closing at the moment, but one thing people need is somewhere for people to interact and have a little community.
"A lot of people are having interactions on Zoom and social media, but people need real proper human interaction, it is key.
"Social interaction is important.
"We are trying to keep food and drinks affordable.
"It is important for us to keep our prices low and to be consistent with what we offer and the quality and our cost."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel