Siobhan says it’s not easy to leave Bishop Vesey behind

Siobhan Hayward (pictured) has retired after more than 19 years running The Bishop Vesey (Sutton Coldfield).

Siobhan took over as pub manager in July 2006, having first joined the company in December 2004.

During her time at The Bishop Vesey, the pub was named West Midlands’ ‘pub of the year’ for 11 consecutive years, by Lichfield, Tamworth & Sutton Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch members.

The pub, which first opened as a Wetherspoon in December 1997, is also included, for the 25th year in succession, in CAMRA’s publication The Good Beer Guide 2026.

Siobhan, 55, said: “I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by.

“I love the pub, the team and all of the regular customers. That is what has made me stay for so long.”

Siobhan plans to spend her retirement travelling abroad, first to South Africa and then around Europe.

She added: “I have worked hard and want to enjoy life now, doing all the things I love to do. I will have the time to go walking and enjoy lots of holidays.”

Siobhan concluded: “The Bishop Vesey has been a massive part of my life. I’ll keep in touch with the team and pop in from time to time.

“They know, if they need anything, that they can always message me.”