OWNER & EXECUTIVE CHEF

Josh Eggleton grew up in South Bristol near the picturesque Chew Valley, and has always been family orientated. Rising to fame running a hugely popular Michelin-starred pub with his sister Holly, Josh Eggleton also cites his grandparents and father as integral to his early fascination with food.

Josh started baking at an early age, inspired by his grandparents. His father was also a big influence as he did most of the cooking at home as well as run a successful business.

Josh’s first job was at a local fish and chip shop aged 15, after an apprenticeship he became head chef at Bristol’s The Olive Shed restaurant. In 2003 Josh won the prestigious Gordon Ramsay College Scholar competition.

Since then Josh has gone on to become a powerhouse in the restauranting world in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Now with over 7 restaurants under his belt from the previously Michelin star, and newly renamed The Pony Chew Valley and renowned fish and chip restaurants Salt & Malt to the modern veg-led Root restaurants.

Along with his Sister and business Partner Holly Eggleton, they continue to be passionate about sustainability and ethical sourcing, and they strive to create a positive impact on the local community and environment through their businesses. They have become respected figures in the UK culinary scene and are known for their commitment to excellence and innovation in hospitality. Josh continues to be an ambassador and leader for many community projects including The Mazi Project, Anti- Banquet, and more.

He focuses on elevated contemporary British cooking, taking inspiration from the local area and produce around him.

OWNER & HEAD OF OPERATIONS

When they relaunched The Pony and Trap, Holly was a mere 19 years old when she took on the fundamental position of Front of House Manager, not only managing all FOH, Holly also managed the events side of the business which incorporated around 25 weddings, private and corporate events each year.

In 2014 Holly’s achievements were recognised with the Publican Morning Advertiser naming her Front of House Manager of the Year in the Top 50 Gastropub awards.

As the business has grown over the years so too has her involvement, being integral to all of Pony Family and remaining at the forefront of each restaurant’s running and development.

Holly continues her front-of-house management at the recently open Pony Chew Valley as they take on a new vision for the venue and plan for the future of The Pony Family!

Events are still Holly’s game and she is still responsible for all weddings and private events that take place at The Pony Chew Valley building bespoke packages on hand to help with the planning & delivery of any event.

Holly also shares Josh’s passion for the local community and commitment to excellence and innovation within hospitality.

GENERAL MANAGER

Emma lives and breathes hospitality, having been in the industry for over 15 years she is integral to the running of the new Pony Chew Valley!

Everything from managing the Front of house team and general running of the restaurant to wine pairings and event management Emma is your go to.

As well as this Emma manages our new Cookery School and courses programme as well as the day to day operations of the school.

HEAD CHEF

having had a passion for food for as long as he can remember Jim has had an amazing career in the restaurant world.

He has been a chef for years working in a variety of venues including being a veteran of Michelin starred Casamia (now Casa.)

Jim plays an integral role in the running of the kitchen and team and collaboratively creates fresh and innovative dishes for the ever-changing seasonal Pony Menu with his team of chefs and Josh.