Add Row 
Add 
At Hot Stories Cambridge, we were hosted by someone who doesn’t just run a pub—he’s reviving the soul of it. Simon, the new landlord of The Red Lion, Cherry Hinton, shared his powerful story of purpose, people, and pub culture.
As the managing director of Pub Hackers Ltd, Simon isn’t part of a corporate pub chain mindset. He and his partner Kevin are franchise managers contracted by Greene King, meaning their success depends on how much they grow the business—pint by pint, plate by plate.
“We work on commission. We’re incentivised to care. This isn’t just a job—it’s personal.”
🏡 A Pub That Serves People
Simon believes in something deeper than food and drink. For him, pubs like The Red Lion are community hubs where loneliness is eased, connections are made, and dignity is preserved.
He recalled his time in Luton’s Castle Tavern, where customers from sheltered housing would come in just to sit, chat, or even sip a glass of water—often their only human contact all week.
“One elderly man cried when his carer combed his hair. That was his only physical contact. Places like this matter.”
👨💼 Simon’s Journey:
Studied Mathematics & Physics at UCL
Worked in West End casinos and Monaco
Returned to the UK, met his partner Kevin
Worked in the NHS while discovering his passion for pubs
-
Now runs The Red Lion and plans to grow into multiple franchise pubs
🍽️ Services Available at The Red Lion:
Private bookings for birthdays, wakes, christenings, and events
Warm, professional service from a passionate team
A fantastic menu and drink selection
A venue that welcomes business meetings, community groups, and networking events
“We’re here for the community—but yes, we also want to build a successful business. We’re not shy about that.”
🎥 Watch Simon’s full talk here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHZ3Cjj53fI
📍 Host & Location Partner: The Red Lion, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge
💼 Pub managed by: Pub Hackers Ltd
About Hot Stories Cambridge
📍 This talk was recorded at the Hot Stories Networking event in Cambridge 🗓️ Held every second Wednesday of the month 📍 Location Partner: The Red Lion, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge https://www.theredlioncherryhinton.co.uk/index 📸 Photos & Video by: Chris Hornby – https://www.chrishornby.com/ 🔵 Main Sponsor: Blue Line Operations Ltd – https://bluelineoperations.co.uk/ 💼 Organised by: Gemini Web Media – https://geminiweb.media/hot-stories-networking-in-cambridge
✨ Interested in sponsoring Hot Stories? We currently have 2 sponsor spots available. All packages are customised based on your needs. 📧 Get in touch: contact@geminiweb.org
