A Great Aunty and Even Greater Nephew - Our Story

On February 2nd 2024 I signed the lease to the historic Wadworth Pub, The Bridge Inn and together with my Great Nephew Jordan set about working together to get the pub just how we wanted.
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I suspect my (Great) Nephew was a tad surprised to get a text out of the blue asking if he wanted to be my head Chef at my new Pub Venture.  This was back in November 2023.  Thankfully, he didn’t hesitate with his reply.  A full on YES! came back within seconds. Jordan had been working as a chef in various venues ranging from Fine Dining Wedding Venues, Country Hotels to Holiday Parks and Pubs so I knew his wealth of knowledge would be invaluable.

On February 2nd 2024 I signed the lease to the historic Wadworth Pub, The Bridge Inn and together we set about working together to get the pub just how we wanted. Wadworth had been very generous in getting the garden ready and redesigning part of the lower bar.  It was left to us to redecorate and get everything ready to open, which we did on the 25th March.

Our journey thus far hasn’t been the easiest, but then running a pub is pretty full on, spinning a dozen plates has become a new art form and our plans could have been tragically halted early on.  Jordan, having Type 1 Diabetes had not been taking care of his health in the best way possible but after relocating to Wiltshire he decided to focus on managing his diabetes better.  After joining a wonderful local Devizes surgery some referrals were made.

One appointment at the Bristol Eye Hospital was particularly difficult.  It was about the end of February and the news came very bluntly.  Jordan was told that he would lose his eyesight within 2 months due to Diabetic Retinopathy if he didn’t undergo a series of IVEG injections into his eyes. Now having injections into his eyes wasn’t part of his exciting fresh start at the Bridge Inn, but he quickly realised he would have to do this to get his health back on track.

I am so incredibly proud of his courage to face this and together we traveled to Bristol for this amazing treatment on the NHS every month.  Now, in October 2024 his eyesight has improved vastly.  We would like to thank St James Surgery in Devizes and all the team there.  The superb Bristol Eye Hospital and dedicated and skilful staff.  The Dental department at Devizes Surgical Centre who have made his traumatic teeth trouble quite enjoyable (his words!) and my lovely friend Debbie, for taking Jordan to Bristol when I was not able.

By Diane Warburton