Let the music play - tavern's new landlord

GAV has left the Tav. After seven years in charge of the Fermain Tavern, Gavin Marsh yesterday handed over to Chris Staples.

And Mr Staples, 25, pledged that the pub's future as a music venue was secure.

Mr Marsh took over the Imperial Hotel at the beginning of November.

'I've been in hotels for a long time before I got into the pub trade.

'That was working as a manager for someone else. When the Imperial came up, we welcomed the chance to get back into the hotel trade again. That's not to say we won't miss the Fermain Tavern, both my wife and myself - that's been seven years of our lives.'

Mr Marsh said one his fondest memories was having the couple's wedding dance at the pub on St Patrick's Day in 2001.

'We'll miss the music scene in a big way. I've always been involved with the likes of the Earth Fair, with the big outside events. That's what I used to thrive on, running big music events in there.'

The public bar had also left its mark, with many friends made, he added.

Mr Staples's intention was to build on what had already been achieved. 'I've a lot to learn, I won't deny that, but the timing's right for both of us.

'Hopefully it shouldn't be that much change in terms of regular trade. They're familiar with me - I have worked there about two years now and they know what to expect. It's just building on the current business in terms of really concentrating on the music.'

Refurbishment plans have been approved, including an outdoor decking area that will increase the capacity for meals. The smoking ban did not overly concern Mr Staples.

'If you take, for example, what happened in Ireland, you either survive or you don't. I'm not in a position not to survive, I have to make this work.'

The decking area would help accommodate smokers, he added.

'If you offer something people want, whether they are a smoker or not, they will come. If a band is playing they want to see, they will come to that.

'I'm keen to work with the local music scene in particular. It's important to give them the opportunity to showcase their talents.'

Mr Marsh said the situation was unique.

'Normally when a landlord goes out of the pub and there is a new landlord, they would very rarely know each other. But we know each other, we're friends and I'm on the other end of the phone should he need support and assistance.'

Mr Staples has also been working for Condor Logistics for the past two years.

Before that he was in the UK, where he was deputy head of stage at the Old Vic and stage manager at the Globe.

He was also a set builder and scene painter for Blackfriar Scenery.

When at the London College of Printing he studied graphic design and also worked in the student union bar.

Before leaving the island to study, he was heavily involved in running the bar at Vale Rec.