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Exeter’s newest pub landlady trained by top chef and she’s only 20
The new landlady of a popular Exeter pub is one of the youngest in Devon. Nyah Austin says she is excited to have taken the reins at the New Inn in Alphington.
Nyah is a qualified chef and graduate of the celebrated Michael Caines Academy. The Academy, inspired by Exeter’s most famous Michelin-starred chef, nurtures the region’s future generation of talented restaurateurs, cooks and waiters.
Despite being just 20 years old Nyah already has experience of working at some of Devon’s best known pubs, including the Cat & Fiddle Inn and Bowd Inn Sidmouth. She has taken on the challenge of running her first pub – replacing long-serving Luke Crocker at the beginning of May.
Read more: Exeter pub landlord hands over reins after 14 years
She says: “I’m excited and I like a challenge. I think it needs someone who is a people person with a lot of personality. I think I have those qualities. I’ve got to know some of the locals already and it has all been good. It’s a very friendly, welcoming pub.”
Nyah, from Sidmouth, started working in hospitality at the age of 15. She says the Michael Caines Academy gave her vital skills.
“Considering I could not cook when I went in there after leaving school it has given me a lot. I had no idea when I started but I wanted to be like like the people I worked for at the pub.
“During the interview for the course they liked the fact I was a chatty, confident person. We would spend three days in the kitchen and two days front of house. At the end we had a seven-course tasting menu at Lympstone Manor which was amazing for £35.”
She will be bringing those kitchen and front of house skills to the New Inn. Long-serving former chef Alan has retired and Nyah plans some changes to the menu. But locals won’t notice any drastic alterations with the emphasis still on generating a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with quality food.
Nyah takes over from former landlord Luke Crocker who stepped down after 14 years. Luke shared the news in a Facebook post in which he thanked all of his staff and customers.
The pub is still owed by Heavitree Brewery but a new management team is led by Gabriel Jacques, who runs the George Inn in Hatherleigh.
He knows Nyah from their together at the Bowd Inn.
“She has got a wise head on young shoulders and will bring many qualities. We believe in giving people a chance. We’ve helped to train her and this is the next step.” He said the New Inn will continue with the regular quizzes and charity events that make it a favourite in the community.
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