Hello from the new team at the Potters Arms!

Firstly we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has popped in to say hello, enjoyed drinks, food and various events with us. We can’t tell you how welcome and at home everyone has made us - we’ve felt the warmth of Winchmore Hill so completely and that’s been fantastic for us.

A bit of background first of all: Monk has over 30 years' experience in hospitality and for the last four of his ventures, we - Saurav and Lov - have worked with him. He’s been able to guide, mentor and educate us for the last decade and without him none of this would be possible. Lov and I wanted to run a pub, a British-Nepalese mash-up, but only if Monk was involved. And so a great partnership was formed - a new venture and an exciting learning curve for all of us!

We have to say, the team that we inherited at the Potters has been nothing short of amazing, from the bartenders and waiting staff to the kitchen gang and cleaning crew. Where would we be without Lauren’s cellar and quiz MC skills and Tayla’s smooth bar management but we must also mention dream bar team Daisy, Grace and Nicki. And in the kitchen Binod the chef, Lov's mum Kanchi, our Nepalese chef Manish and kitchen porters Aashik, Will, Harvey and Dexter. They have all really helped us hit the ground running with their knowledge of the building and systems, drinks and dishes and we’d be lost without them.

We’ve told everyone we’d love to hear any feedback you have for us and from the beginning it was clear that, while we’d added some Nepalese food to the menu, you wanted more! So next week we’re launching our new menu, which offers a much wider range of Nepalese dishes. And that’s not all: towards the end of the month we’ll be unveiling our tandoori ovens and will then be able to serve mixed grills, kebabs and some of the best naan breads you’ve ever tasted. We’re really looking forward to it.  The terrace bar will also be turned into an outdoor barbeque spot with a selection of specially curated dishes and a new selection of beers - we’ll keep you posted on its launch.

The Potters has become well known for its out-of-town comedy nights over the past few years and we’re now picking up that baton. We have our first monthly comedy night planned for July and are already securing acts for the rest of the year. In a few weeks’ time we’ll also be launching fortnightly live music on Friday nights from 8pm. We’ve had so many requests for this and are excited we’re able to make it happen. There will be a selection of mostly local acts - if you have any recommendations of individuals or bands you’d like us to feature, do let us know. This, of course, is alongside our weekly Wednesday Speedquiz nights, which have proven as popular as ever.

Finally, I think we’re looking forward to the Village Show as much as everyone else and are particularly happy we’re able to host this year’s Slowdown, the evening event after the big day. The last couple of years this has been a great way to wind down and share stories over a few drinks and bites after a full day at the fair. There will be music, fun and respite for the weary.

Once again, thank you for making us feel so welcome during our first few months here and we look forward to seeing you all over the summer!

Saurav, Lov and Monk