14/12/2025

 

Dear Patrons of the Royal Oak,

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It’s approaching 8 years since I signed on the dotted line with Stonegate (previously Enterprise Inns) and took on the tenancy at the Royal Oak.

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At the time you may recall it had been taken over by another operator and sadly the team we knew and loved had moved on, for beryl in particular this must have been a very sad time. I seem to remember she worked at the Crown for a few months – As a local resident I was very fond of the Oak and having experience I knew it was my calling - When I called her to explain I would take the oak on it was the first time I really got to know her. We met in the office with the dogs running around and it was clear that her heart was very much still at the oak. So, with that I progressed and we made a deal. We also were very lucky to welcome James Pearson as manager shortly later. His booming old fashioned voice still rings in my head “Last Orders” and that amazing laugh he had. All very good memories.

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The first 6 months brought challenges with Chefs and finding the right one took us ages. In my time the best chef we had was Amanda. I remember Beryl saying to me – “Get her Tom, get her!!” and I remember thinking good this will be expensive! But history was made because when the girls got on together it was “Electric” at the Oak – Beryl, Clare, Amanda, Glenys – A legendary group of people.

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Coronavirus Lock Down brought new challenges and the way the team was so keen to support the local customers was incredible. You may remember we had an outdoor restaurant in the car park with the burger van too. Beer and cider in milk containers… Masks… Stickers everywhere telling you to keep 2 meters away. Thank God that’s over!

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole team past and present including Beryl, Clare, Paul, Glenys, Amanda, James, Alex, Stuart, Kate, Matt (The Cleaner), Shirley, Nicola, Dylan, Milly, Lottie, Sarah, Lydia… and many more. Theres a few managers names I’ve missed off see if you can remember them all…

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In later years financial pressures have forced me to consolidate the pub company. I will now only have 4 and they are all free of tie. The decision to hand notice on the oak along with another 6 tied pubs, was a mixture of personal reasons and financial pressures. I was very exposed and simply cannot make the business model of a tied Stonegate pub work. It’s no surprise to you that all pubs are suffering because of big tax bills, big employment costs and buildings that need so much work and repairs. The wider economy is very worrying too. I did however vow never to close the Royal Oak and I would be in place until a new tenant was found. How lucky did we get when young Will walked in to our lives!

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Once again, a heartfelt thank you for your support, loyalty and custom. There is many many many of you, Thank You for choosing the Royal Oak and for making it what it is. We are all so lucky to have such a great village community. Have a very Merry Christmas.

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I want to wish Will Browne all the luck in the world; I will certainly be a customer. He takes over with his father supporting him from 15/12/2025. I look forward to watching his business grow and continue to support in any way I can.

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Here’s to the next chapter. Cheers!

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Warmest Regards,

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Tom Stovold

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Director - Revived Inns Ltd

tom@revivedinns.co.uk