Two Lancashire hotshots celebrate 20-year stints

Two managers at two pubs in Wigan simultaneously reached a Wetherspoon career milestone.

Pub manager Dave Higham is pictured (centre) receiving Champagne and flowers to mark his 20 years’ service, while kitchen manager Jemma Edwards (second right) was presented with the same for her two decades’ service with the company.

Also pictured (left to right) are Wetherspoon area manager Mike Morrissey, The Brocket Arms (Wigan) hotel manager Laura Quinn and pub manager Tom Quinn.

Jemma, who has been the kitchen manager at The Brocket Arms for two years in January 2025, started in 2004, straight from school, as a kitchen associate at The Sir Thomas Gerard (Ashton-in-Makerfield).

She recalled: “I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school and needed a job.

“I soon got used to it, the people and the job, and worked my way up to become kitchen manager in 2009, at the age of 23.”

Jemma took a step back from the management role for a while, but when The Brocket Arms needed a kitchen manager in January 2023, she stepped up again.

Jemma, 38, said: “The kitchen here is very different, a lot bigger and busier, with a bigger team of 20 staff.

“I enjoy my work and am happy in my role.

“Wetherspoon is a good company to work for.

“I’ve never had a problem and see myself working here until retirement.”

Dave also started at The Brocket Arms, as a bar associate in 2004, where he spent five years initially.

A move to The Moon Under Water (Wigan) for one year, a move back to The Brocket Arms (for two years) and a return in 2012 to The Moon Under Water saw him climb the Wetherspoon career ladder.

Dave admitted: “I didn’t think that it would be a career, as it was just a job to start with, but once I began working my way up, I thought it could be a longer-term option.

“However, I never thought about becoming a pub manager until the last year or two. It made sense and was a natural progression.”

Dave, 41, took over as pub manager at The Moon Under Water in May 2024 and is enjoying the challenge.

He said: “I have quite a few other experienced, long-serving staff members on the team, and things are going very well.

“The job is always the same, but every day is different, and nothing surprises me anymore.”

Dave added: “I have worked for the company for literally half of my life, although it doesn’t seem like 20 years.

“Wetherspoon looks after its staff well. It is a good company to work for – and the bonuses are great.

“I also met my wife Laureen when we both worked at The Brocket Arms, although she has since left the company.”