The Old Royal Oak pub in the picturesque village of Bitteswell will be transformed this November, thanks to a £300k investment by Punch Pubs & Co.
The historic pub will be completely reimagined with new Management Partner, Mark Rowling, taking the helm.
A proud local, Mark poured his first pint of beer at the pub in 1994, and has huge ambitions to put it firmly back at the heart of the village. With a passion for pubs, people and over thirty years in the hospitality industry, he is enthusiastic about his new opportunity and cannot wait to welcome guests back to their local.
“I’m delighted to be taking on this opportunity, especially in a pub that has sentimental ties to me,” Mark shared. “The Old Royal Oak is a fantastic pub; it just needs a little TLC and nurturing to bring it back to its best. It’s not had an investment in 25 years, so to be able to work alongside Punch and make those changes is an honour. It’s simple, I want to give the village its local pub back and create an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. It will be a pub which hosts charity events and fundraisers, and is the go-to place for families – I’m so excited to reopen those doors.”
The changes to the pub have already taken shape – as the team aim to breathe new life into it, without taking away the character that the community knows and loves. The mammoth transformation will see it boast a vibrant new look from signage, colour scheme and décor to seating, drinks and food offers – everything will be totally overhauled to embrace the new chapter.
The traditions of a village pub will always remain a core part of the newly invested Old Royal Oak; however, the shake-up to its food and drinks menu is expected to have guests beaming with joy. Their new menu promises to be full of delicious, cosy, comfort food featuring homemade, traditional pub classics and their hearty Sunday roasts.
Mark is also eager to introduce a planned schedule of events at the pub. He’s hoping to target lunchtime guests throughout the week, and families into the evening and the weekends, who can also make use of the pub’s vast beer garden, which will also be upgraded.
In an attempt to restore the garden to its former welcoming haven, several changes will take place to make it an open and inviting space with zoned seating areas and a children’s play area, which will be suitable for use all year round.
Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager Hannah Martin commented: “Our ambition is simple: we want The Old Royal Oak to be known as the best place for service, atmosphere, consistent food and a regular entertainment schedule. With Mark’s passion for both pubs and people, I do not doubt that he will steer this pub into a bright future. The transformation of the pub already is wonderful, and seeing the combined visions come to life makes us incredibly excited.”
Aside from the physical and aesthetic changes at The Old Royal Oak, Mark has recruited a whole new team to see the pub through to 5 star success. Having received over 120 applications for various roles within the pub, he’s looking forward to meeting his new team of 22 and is grateful to be recruiting passionate hospitality stars from within the community.
As the final changes take shape in the pub, Mark is thrilled with the transformation so far. He said: “I cannot wait to show off the pub and bring our guests back through the door – it looks amazing, and I’m so proud to be a part of its relaunch. The next couple of weeks, we’re focused on staff training and collaboration to ensure everyone has their say in the pub’s return.”
The Old Royal Oak will officially reopen on the 11th of November, and more information about its return can be found on its website and social media pages.
Pub website: The Old Royal Oak