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THE MOUSE AT BRIMSTAGE
Following the chaos of Christmas , there is generally slight apprehension at the start of a new year for business owners . And while most business owners can look forward to a break over the festive period , people in the hospitality industry know that time off is the stuff of dreams . But this year , the owner of The Mouse at Brimstage , Danielle Roberts is chomping at the bit heading into a particularly exciting 2023 .
After six years at the helm including a turbulent two years with Covid-19 and with current energy rates and food & beverage prices at an all time high , you ' d be forgiven for thinking the new year seems a daunting prospect . But Danielle starts the new year with a new General Manager ; and finally has someone who has the ambition , drive and determination to match her own .
Joanna Jones takes over the reins this month and is no stranger when it comes to the running and operations of hospitality venues . A variety of roles throughout Liverpool and on the Wirral including running her own multi award winning independent restaurant , stand her in good stead for the task ahead . “ I can ’ t wait to get started ,” says Joanna . “ The Mouse has been here for over 40 years so I ’ m really looking forward to working at such a distinguished establishment . Danielle has done such an incredible job since the takeover in 2016 and now we are looking forward to cranking things up a gear , together . The potential is huge and I ’ m really excited to get in and get cracking .”
“ I ’ m mega excited to be bringing Jo onboard .” Danielle tells us . “ As soon as we met , we hit it off and I felt her immense love for The Mouse and passion for the hospitality industry in general . I knew she could see the potential and how to develop the venue even more . It ’ s very exciting times ahead for Team Mouse . We have lots of ideas and big plans so watch this space !”
Danielle continues , “ My mum ( Barbara ) has played a massive part in the success of The Mouse to get it to where it is today and I ’ m eternally grateful to her for this however the time has come to take it to the next level and I know Jo is the women to deliver this with her wealth of experience . Thank you to all our loyal customers old and new for your continued support .”
Joanna was named by Good Taste Food Magazine as one of the top 100 power women in the Food & Beverage industry and her experience will certainly benefit The Mouse . “ I only gave my restaurant up to have more time with my Mum when she fell ill but hospitality is where my heart is . There ’ s not much I haven ’ t done in the industry … I ’ ve worked my way up from the bottom ; on the floor , BDM positions , PR & marketing , supervisory roles , managing and operations - but still have no qualms about rolling up my sleeves and washing dishes if it ’ s required !”
Danielle and Jo seem a force to be reckoned with . With the extensive grounds and so many unique features , The Mouse now boast their very own Chapel and attached private bar . A beautiful chapel with vaulted ceilings at the base of the tower ( dated circa 1175 ) within Brimstage Hall . The Chapel has a unique place in local history . There is a roughly-cut corbel which resembles a smiling cat . In his memoirs , author Lewis Carroll wrote he " saw a Cheshire Cat with a gigantic smile at Brimstage Hall carved into the wall ". It is believed that he took his inspiration for the Cheshire Cat , a character in his book Alice ' s Adventures in Wonderland .
The chapel , restaurant , conservatory and barn along with the extensive grounds for marquees and tippees are the separate entities that allow for a wide range of events to take place - and the diary is filling up quick for 2023 and beyond ,” Danielle adds “ We are delighted the place is so popular for private events but our normal day to day restaurant is just as important to us . We are open from 10am daily serving homemade dishes , using only fresh , locally sourced top quality produce - with daily specials to keep our chef ’ s creative juices flowing !”
32 wirrallife . com