Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
52<br />
<strong>SP</strong>OTLIGHT<br />
In this edition the spotlight falls on Susan Henderson<br />
Owner of The Poplars in Moulton<br />
What’s your background?<br />
I was born in to Hospitality as my parents had pubs and<br />
hotels when I was growing up. Although I always helped<br />
(for free of course), they encouraged me to pursue my<br />
own career. I had a very successful career in London<br />
working for various companies for over 24 years.<br />
What first got you interested in becoming proprietor<br />
of The Poplars?<br />
When I had made the decision to leave the city I knew I<br />
wanted a B & B or small hotel. The Poplars was the first<br />
place that I was given details of. I arrived with my<br />
mother as she has a ‘shrewd eye’. I loved that it was<br />
such a historic building and that the village had a great<br />
community vibe. At the time I did not envisage moving<br />
to Northampton so I spent almost a year travelling and<br />
searching in more touristy areas like Malvern, Stratford<br />
Upon Avon and the Cotswolds. I then revisited The<br />
Poplars carried out my due diligence and here I am. And<br />
yes, my mother still likes to say ‘I told you so’.<br />
What do you enjoy most about what you do?<br />
Absolutely everything. I love meeting new people every<br />
day and looking after our regular customers. We have<br />
so many returning guests and that is a testament to<br />
what we do here. I have a superb team and am very<br />
proud of the work they do here. We have a very high<br />
rating on Trip Advisor and that is down to them.<br />
How would you describe yourself in four words?<br />
Resilient, Compassionate, Gregarious and Hard-working.<br />
What ambitions do you have for the future?<br />
The building is over 300 years old so I plan to be<br />
sympathetic and maintain it as best I can without over<br />
modernising it. The Poplars plays an important role in<br />
bringing people to Moulton and the surrounding areas.<br />
I just want to continue with what we are currently<br />
doing as I think we have a great formula here.<br />
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?<br />
It was very difficult trying to refurb bathrooms and<br />
bedrooms in such and old building and remain open<br />
for ‘business as usual’. We could only do one or two<br />
at a time as it was so busy and the plumbing in a<br />
building this old is always temperamental to say the<br />
least. It put the team under a lot of pressure but<br />
with perseverance and humour we got through it.<br />
What’s the funniest moment you can recall?<br />
So many to choose from but a lovely older<br />
gentleman left his wife in the dining room at<br />
breakfast to fetch something from his room. Upon<br />
returning he came back in and sat at a different<br />
table for quite some time before he noticed his wife<br />
eating her breakfast alone at their table. He had the<br />
whole room in laughter.<br />
Have you ever had any famous guests staying?<br />
A few that would probably prefer not to be<br />
mentioned but also some members from S Club 7,<br />
Fairport Convention, Brian Jacks and comedian<br />
Dylan Moran.<br />
To make a booking, please call 01604 643 983<br />
To advertise in the next edition - advertise@northampton-local.co.uk - 07738 024 823
Change language