At Joule’s, we believe that every pub has a story, and at the heart of those stories are passionate landlords and landladies who bring our taphouses to life.

Jess, the landlady of the Rose & Crown in Ludlow, is a shining example of dedication and community spirit. Recently, Jess completed the Darwin Programme—a supportive, one-year initiative designed to help new licensees transition into long-term tenancies. We caught up with Jess on this milestone day to reflect on her journey and celebrate her success.

Jess spoke warmly about her experience on the Darwin Programme:

The extra support has been brilliant. It’s been so reassuring knowing I can chat to you guys regularly, and any little issues can be sorted straight away. Having that safety net during my first year as a landlady made such a difference while I was finding my feet. It’s been a really positive experience.”

This safety net allowed Jess to flourish, and her hard work and enthusiasm have truly brought the Rose & Crown to life.

When asked what makes the Rose & Crown so special, Jess’s face lit up.

“Oh, there are so many reasons! For one, I met my husband here. But beyond that, the Rose & Crown really is the heart of Ludlow—it’s like ‘HQ’ for the town. Everyone comes here; it’s the busiest pub in Ludlow. Seeing it looking its best, bustling and full of life again, is just amazing.”

The sense of pride Jess has for her pub and community is palpable, and her work has ensured the Rose & Crown continues to be a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike.

For Jess, being part of Joule’s Brewery is more than just a professional partnership; it’s a sense of belonging.

“Working with Joule’s has been fantastic. Everyone is so lovely and supportive. I love seeing how everything’s growing, like the development at The Stag. It’s exciting to feel like part of a family, and I’m really proud to be part of Joule’s.”

This sense of pride and community is central to what makes Joule’s Taphouses so unique.

As Jess embarks on the next five years, her excitement is clear.

“What I’m most excited about is the security. Knowing we’re here for the next five years means we can really settle in and focus on making the pub even better. I can’t wait to watch it grow and truly become part of the community—for everyone to feel like, ‘this is it, this is us now, and we’re here to stay.’”

Jess’s vision and determination ensure that the Rose & Crown will remain a cherished part of Ludlow for years to come. Her dedication, creativity, and love for her community have transformed the Rose & Crown into a thriving, vibrant pub. If you’re passionate about making a difference and being part of something special, perhaps the next taphouse story could be yours.