The Greyhound Pub: A Community Hub That Keeps Customers Coming Back

Nestled in the picturesque area of Elly Clough, The Greyhound Pub has stood as a cornerstone of the community for over 200 years. Under Tracey’s ownership, the pub has been transformed into a vibrant, welcoming hub where locals and visitors alike come to enjoy great food, lively entertainment, and a spotless environment. In this article, we delve into the secrets of The Greyhound’s success and explore how washroom hygiene and community spirit have played a key role in its journey.

Dame Hygiene: Can you tell us a little bit about The Greyhound Pub and what makes it special to your customers?

Tracey: The Greyhound is a community pub in a large, affluent area. We work hard to keep it friendly, light, and fun for everyone. It’s the kind of place where people come to feel part of a community. We’ve built a welcoming atmosphere that people appreciate, and it’s been here for so long that it’s part of the area’s history.

Dame Hygiene: Do you want to tell us a little bit about where we are? The Greyhound Pub in Elly Clough?

Tracey: Yes, it’s called Elly Clough. This area has only one road, and the pub has been here for over 200 years. It became a pub in 1837, and the current brewery took over in 1928. Originally, it was a place for farmers, but in the 1960s, they started building houses around it. Now it’s right in the middle of a lovely area and serves as a hub for locals.

Dame Hygiene: What do you think is the secret to running a successful pub, especially in a close-knit community like this?

Tracey: You’ve got to love it because it’s hard work. I’m talking 12 to 18 hours a day, so you have to genuinely care about the place and the people who come in. If you don’t enjoy it, it will show, and you won’t build that connection with the customers. It’s all about making them feel welcome and creating an environment they want to come back to.

Dame Hygiene: How important is washroom hygiene to the overall experience you aim to provide for your customers?

Tracey: It’s absolutely vital. The toilets need to be clean, smell fresh, and be well-stocked with everything. When we first took over, the washrooms weren’t in great condition, and people noticed. Now, it’s the first thing customers comment on—they can’t believe how spotless they are. For us, if the washrooms are spotless, it reflects on the rest of the pub, including the kitchen. It sets the standard.

Dame Hygiene: Do you feel that clean and pleasant washrooms contribute to the reputation and success of The Greyhound?

Tracey: Definitely. The pub has come a long way from how it used to look. Cleanliness, from the toilets to the whole venue, has made a massive difference. People who wouldn’t have stepped in here before now feel comfortable coming in. It’s helped us build a reputation for quality.

Dame Hygiene: What led you to choose Dame Hygiene for your washroom services five years ago, and what keeps you working with them?

Tracey: I had a bad experience with another company. They were unreliable, and it was stressful chasing them all the time. I first came across Dame Hygiene through another company, but when that company sold out, I went direct to Dame. They’ve been brilliant—professional, quick, and they listen to my specific needs. Some of my customers are allergic to certain scents, and Dame has always adapted to what I need.

Dame Hygiene: Can you share your thoughts on the impact of the programmed air fresh units and sanitary disposal services on your customers’ satisfaction?

Tracey: The air fresh units and sanitary disposal services make such a difference. Customers often comment on how nice the toilets smell and how clean everything is. It’s amazing to think that something as simple as well-maintained facilities can change people’s perception of the pub. There are even people who wouldn’t come in before who now visit regularly because they’ve heard about how good it is.

Dame Hygiene: How has Dame Hygiene’s flexibility in scheduling visits been beneficial?

Tracey: It’s been a lifesaver. If I need to reschedule or adjust the timing of a visit, I just call, and they sort it out. If I can’t be here, I’ll arrange for someone to let them in, and they always accommodate that. They’ve been very flexible, which takes a lot of pressure off me.

Dame Hygiene: How does a personal touch, like calling 30 minutes ahead or rescheduling to suit your availability, make a difference to you as a business owner?

Tracey: It’s a big help. If they call ahead, I know I’ve got time to get here or arrange for someone else to be here. It shows they understand the challenges of running a pub and are willing to work around them.

Dame Hygiene: What advice would you give to other pub owners about maintaining high washroom standards for their customers?

Tracey: It’s just common sense, really. Washrooms are such a big part of a customer’s experience. If they’re not clean, it reflects badly on the whole business. I always recommend Dame Hygiene to others because they’ve made managing this part of the business so much easier for me.

Dame Hygiene: How important are reliable partnerships, like the one you have with Dame Hygiene, in the smooth running of your pub?

Tracey: Reliable partnerships are everything. If you can trust the people you work with, it makes your life so much easier. Dame Hygiene has always been polite, professional, and easy to work with. I’ve never had an issue with them.

Dame Hygiene: Can you tell us about the recent award you won and what it meant to you?

Tracey: We won Community Pub of the Year, which was awarded by our brewery. They host an annual dinner for all the pub partners, and this year, we were selected. It wasn’t a customer vote but based on the brewery’s recognition of what we’ve done. We’ve worked hard to bring the community together with themed nights, dinner events, charity fundraisers, and more. It’s been lovely seeing people reconnect and create new memories here.

Dame Hygiene: What makes The Greyhound a great place for locals and visitors to enjoy?

Tracey: We’re friendly, we keep the pub clean and tidy, and we have clear rules that make it welcoming for everyone. Dogs are allowed as long as they stay on hard floors, and children are welcome if they’re supervised. We want people to come in, relax, and enjoy themselves.

Dame Hygiene: Do you want to tell us about some of the features and events at The Greyhound?

Tracey: We’ve always got something going on to keep things lively and bring the community together. On Tuesdays, we host quiz nights with a free supper—it’s a big hit with the locals. Saturdays are all about entertainment, with live music or themed events. We’ve done everything from Caribbean nights to karaoke competitions.

For sports fans, we cater to Oldham football and rugby supporters with special matchday menus, creating a real buzz in the pub. Sundays are for our traditional roasts, complete with a children’s menu, so there’s something for the whole family. Christmas is always a highlight for us, with festive dinners that everyone loves. We want The Greyhound to be a place where there’s always something to look forward to.

Dame Hygiene: What would you say to other pub owners who might be considering Dame Hygiene’s services?

Tracey: Use them. They’re quick, friendly, and efficient. Everything gets done, and all I get are compliments from my customers.

Find more information about The Greyhound Pub on their Facebook Page or on their website.

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