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 grew up in Victoria Australia and moved to the UK in 2015.

Emma started her career at the Victorian Arts Centre, working in every department from the cafe to members fine dining, this stimulated a love of hospitality and she hasnt looked back.

After moving to the UK, Emma worked with the Bosco group before joining the Pony Bistro in 2022. She manages the day to day running of the restaurant & the Cookery 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.

SOUS CHEF

James joined The Pony Family in 2016 at Salt & Malt Chew Valley and The Kenny. He left for a year to go to The Mall in Clifton as a Head Chef, turning this around before coming back to Salt & Malt Wapping Wharf.

Has taken James just over 5yrs to
go from Commis to now Sous Chef
at The Pony. After starting out at a Chinese at 14yrs old, he has worked his way up at Marco Pierre White in Congresbury.

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Richard joined The Pony in 2023 as part of the reopening team, bringing a background in events and corporate hospitality. Prior to joining the Pony team, he worked at Ston Easton Park Hotel, The Litton, and No. 15 Bath. 

Richard has also spent some time in central & South America, founding & running a boutique events company, producing high-end events and managing restaurants and private functions across Argentina, Uruguay, and Mexico.

HEAD PASTRY CHEF

Harry Joined the Pony Family in 2024 and is now an integral part of our kitchen team. Harry found a love for baking from her grandmother and decided to deploy that love into a career.

She Began her career at Sugarcane Studio in Bath, Marks Bread & Anna Cake coutere before joining the Pony family. She is now an integral part of the Pony team and in charge of all things pastry.