The Oak Tree Inn in Middleton St George, owned by leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co, has a new Publican at the helm following the arrival of Morgan Stanton.
Morgan has almost 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, most recently as Director of Food & Beverage at a leading leisure business, overseeing operations across multiple sites in the the UK and Europe. Following redundancy, Morgan explained “the time was right for me to do my own thing” and decided to become a Management Partner with Punch.
“I’d visited the pub half a dozen times over a two-week period and, each time I came, I could see the potential. I knew this was the right pub for me,” said Morgan.
“I want to run a business that thrives. We’ll say yes when we can, and hospitality will always be front and centre of everything we do. My ambition is for the pub to become a real hub for the community – somewhere people feel welcome, somewhere they want to spend time, and somewhere that can accommodate whatever they need.
“I can’t wait to welcome people through the door – locals, regulars and people from further afield. I’m really excited about what we can build here.”
Morgan admitted “the pub was eye-catching” following a significant £415k investment by Punch earlier this year. The transformation focused on restoring the building’s character, enhancing its dining and social spaces, and reviving its outdoor areas.
Julie Richardson, Operations Manager at Punch Pubs & Co., said: “I am really excited to work with someone who has as much experience as Morgan does within the hospitality industry. Morgan is keen to share his knowledge and skills with his staff and to make The Oak Tree Inn a roaring success.
“The pub reopened a couple of months ago following a refurbishment and it looks great. Since Morgan arrived the feedback from our guests has been terrific so I am confident we can continue on an upwards trajectory and give the community the pub it craves.”
Morgan is celebrating his arrival at The Oak Tree Inn with a party on Saturday 12 September. Between 1pm and 6pm the pub will play host to live music, a magic act and party food and encourages people to visit and say hello.
For more information about taking over a pub or to speak to a member of Punch’s recruitment team, reach out to recruitment@punchpubs.com.