By Angela Green, Content Executive, H&C News: Some of Sheffield’s longest-serving licensees celebrate 30 years.
Some of Sheffield’s longest-serving licensees have been honoured with a prestigious award to celebrate their 30th anniversary at a much-loved Burncross pub.
The award from the building’s owners – Star Pubs & Bars – recognises the Jane family’s service to The Crown & Cushion and the community over three decades.
Father and son team Alan and Rob Jane started at The Crown & Cushion in 1992, with Rob becoming Sheffield’s then youngest-ever licensee when he took the reins later that year aged 21. He now runs the pub with his wife Jayne, who has been a member of bar staff since 1986. 75-year-old Alan remains an active member of the team helping with back-of-house operations and enjoying a chat with regulars. Rob is not “calling time” yet and is extending the lease so that the family can clock up another 10 years at The Crown & Cushion.
Rob says The Crown & Cushion is “unrecognisable” compared to 1992. “In those days, it was basic, old-fashioned and just sold a bit of pub grub. Nevertheless it was busy – back then pubs could just open their doors and people would come in. It’s very different today.”
Over the years, the Jane family has worked tirelessly to maintain The Crown & Cushion’s popularity, continually investing in the building and adapting to new trends to keep up with changing tastes.
A hub of the community, The Crown & Cushion is known for its warm welcome, home-cooked food – particularly the steak pie prepared to Rob’s mum’s recipe – and an excellent selection of cask ales from local breweries across Wakefield, Sheffield and Barnsley. The pub has a spacious traditional bar with two snugs and a restaurant area, making it a meeting place for local residents as well as a destination dining spot for people from further afield. It also boasts a 100-seater garden –complete with a covered heated patio – that is lovingly maintained by Rob and is “the place to be” on sunny days.
Looking to the future, Rob is determined to keep the pub thriving for future generations to enjoy. “I’ve got a soft spot for The Crown & Cushion. It has got its claws into me. The community is fantastic. We work hand in hand to keep the pub at the heart of Burncross life. We couldn’t do it without our customers and staff; they are central to the pub and its friendly atmosphere. We’re now serving people who came in as children when I first started out, and three of the bar staff – Pat, Linda and my wife Jayne – have been here 35 years or more.
“Society may have changed, but I believe good locals are as important as ever, particularly in difficult times such as these, providing consistency in people’s lives as well as somewhere they can talk through their problems and enjoy some much-needed laughter and banter.”
Comments Star Pubs & Bars’ area manager Pat McGrath: “This award couldn’t be more well-deserved. The Jane family give ‘their all’ to The Crown & Cushion, never taking their customers for granted and always striving to exceed expectations. Their food, drink and genuine hospitality are superb, and The Crown & Cushion is a real asset to Burncross. We wish them many more happy years.”
