The Drip Tray Diaries

A final episode for season 1 of the Driptray Diaries. Season 2 promises big things with episodes already secured and recorded ffrom Wye valley brewery, Rockfield Distillery, Pub landlords, locals & more. In this final part of the soapbox episode we have a chaotic hour dissecting each others talks. Follow us on social media to keep updated with the podcast and pub!

This is the last episode set for season 1 of the Drip Tray Diaries. Elliot is departing to pastures new and we decided for his last episode to do a ted talk style presentation. each of us have around 10 mins to talk about our chosen subject and will talk about it as a group in part2

Elliot’s calling last orders… for real this time. After two years behind the bar, countless pints poured, and more stories than we can probably repeat, this episode is all about Elliot’s time at The Kings Head and on the podcast. We sit down and look back at where it all started, the chaos, the laughs, the tough moments, and everything in between. From busy services to quiet pints after close, it’...

Five years in at The Kings Head… and it’s safe to say it’s been a bit of a ride. In this episode, we sit down and properly look back at everything — the challenges we’ve faced, the changes we’ve made, and how the pub has evolved since day one. From the early days getting our feet under the table, to the reality of running a busy countryside pub today. We also dig into some brilliant old stories fr...

We sit down with Debbie to talk about complaints, this time in the travel sector. Debbie worked for Mercury Direct for 9 years and had to deal with all sorts of strange complaints. from poorly coloured sand to spicy food there is all sorts in this episode. Got any funny complaints from your work or industry? send us a message and well read it out in a future episode.

We sit down for a very last minute unplanned episode. baby still overdue by a week (at time of recording) and we talk about Elliot's worst breakfast, our pet peeves, pub golden rules & more price hikes from Guinness. we finish off with the idea of doing a ted talk episode. So if anyone has got some good ideas send them over!

Join us for Part2 of our episode with Paul. We talk about the other 20 years of Pauls glass trade, the new food hatch at the Kings Head, a new soft serve ice-cream machine and loaded fries. We agree to disagree on pizza and Paul lets us know his views on the "Worst Government he can remember"

From running nine pubs to building a booming glass business… to losing it all and facing bankruptcy. Paul shares the full story — the highs, the graft, the growth, and the moment it all came crashing down. But more importantly, he opens up about what bankruptcy actually feels like… and why it’s not always as scary as people think. We wrap up with some real, honest advice for anyone struggling — wh...

This week on The Drip Tray Diaries , we dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos of kitchen life, including a seriously close call with a near fryer fire. We also chat about more price rises heading our way, with wage increases and higher National Insurance costs piling even more pressure onto the hospitality industry. There’s a bit of talk about the upcoming new food concept at The Kings Head Docklo...

In this episode of The Drip Tray Diaries Ashley, Elliot & Gracie are joined by former Kings Head Docklow chef Olly. Since leaving the pub, Olly has been working in large wedding venues across Essex — which means he’s seen everything from smooth services to full-blown wedding chaos. We talk about the pressure of cooking for hundreds of guests, bridezillas, bizarre wedding requests, and the stra...

In this episode of The Drip Tray Diaries, we sit down with Bill from Ludlow Brewery to uncover the story behind one of the region’s best-loved breweries. We talk about how the brewery began, the thinking behind their beer styles, and how sustainability plays a huge role in everything they do. Bill breaks down the basics of brewing in plain English – from grain to glass – and shares the stories and...

Episode 10 is a proper pub-table chat. We dive into our dream playlists, tackle customer questions and pub conundrums, and uncover the possible reason Gracie is the way she is today (she may or may not have been dropped on her head). To top it off, Elliot bravely reads out a poem he wrote for Ellie Chowns , proving once and for all that pubs really do bring out everyone’s creative side. Unfiltered...

You join us this week for a very last-minute, impromptu episode of the podcast. Due to some unexpected technical gremlins, our planned Ludlow Brewery episode has been delayed — but don’t worry, we’re hoping to have that sorted and ready for next week. Instead, Ashley is joined by Paul and Debra (his mum and dad) for a spontaneous trip down memory lane. From growing up around pubs to tales from a r...

In this episode of the Drip Tray Diaries, we were joined by one of our locals, Dan Richards - a carpenter, restorations specialist and extreme off-roading enthusiast. Day to day Dan can be found repairing old timber frame buildings, restoring historical castle walls or some days in deepest Romania restoring medieval fortified churches. He also works alongside his dad helping to protect local woodl...

in this episode of The Drip Tray Diaries , we sit down properly with Aino to hear the full story (well part of it anyway) — from why she first came to the UK, to why she stayed (spoiler: Ashley 👀). We talk about her first impressions of British pubs, how different pub culture is compared to Finland (where coffee shops rule and coffee before bed is totally normal), and what she really thought abou...

In this episode of Drip Tray Diaries , we’re joined by Brooke — our barmaid of 4.5 years — as we dive into life behind the bar, Guinness debates, and the chaos customers never realise they cause. We blind taste test straight-poured vs two-part Guinness, debate glass shapes, and watch Gracie try Guinness for the very first time. Elliot immediately regrets his own opinion. We talk foam art (clovers…...

In this episode we sit down with Paul, landlord of The Kings Head Docklow, who has spent over 60 years in the pub trade. From growing up behind the bar to watching pub culture, beer trends and communities change, Paul shares honest stories, industry insights and unforgettable memories from a lifetime in pubs. If you love pub history, real ale, pub characters, or simply great stories from behind th...

join us for this first bonus episode. we get a spooky visit multiple times during our episode (bonus audio at the end) We play agony aunt and talk about relatable hospitality gripes, funny tips and MORE Guinness shortages! a little longer than normal a little more chaotic but a lot of real fun! let us know your thoughts below and don't forget to like rate and share! it really helps us grow the sho...

Stock control struggles,beer festivals and things that go bump in the night! join us for Ep4 where we talk about the struggles of gauging stock levels. the rise and fall of beer festivals and the noises you hear that might not just be old pipes. Sit down grab a drink and joint us for another episode in the pub with us as we peel back the curtain on hospitality and show you what goes on behind the...

Odd food combinations, foaming drinks and the best way to have your steak? join us for some interesting food choices. We talk about some uncomfortable food and drink combos, publican challenges and the the importance of turning down pub conversions.

Its Christmas at The Kings Head this week so join us for tales of more party booking chaos, Festive crowds, exercise mishaps and - of course - a few more opinions guaranteed to upset Elliot

Join us for the very first episode of The Drip Tray Diaries . In this slightly rocky opening episode, Ashley talks through the origins of The Kings Head Docklow team and how everyone somehow ended up exactly where they are today. We dig into the story of the mysterious man who bought a house and unknowingly set everything in motion, the challenges faced along the way, and a few light-hearted momen...

Get ready to listen to The Drip Tray Diaries. A podcast with real people sharing honest stories about life in and around the pub. From the hard graft that goes into running one, to the laughs, the chaos, and the stories you don’t usually hear outside the bar. So pull up a chair, grab yourself a drink, and join us for The Drip Tray Diaries . First episode on January the 2nd 2026 and then new episod...