Latest news with #PunchPubs
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Yahoo
Restaurant near Darlington closes after Home Office illegal working probe
A popular restaurant near Darlington has closed after an immigration probe found four illegal workers inside. It was revealed last week that The Oak Tree, in Middleton-St-George, could be stripped of its licence after it was found employing two people who did not have the right to work. The Yarm Road venue was visited by immigration officers in December and was hit with a £90,000 fine earlier this year, which remains unpaid. Ersim Aydi, who operated the venue as owner under a tenancy agreement, told The Northern Echo that she has since left her role. And now, operator and owner Punch Pubs has confirmed that the venue has been closed and will remain closed "for the time being". A spokesperson said: "As a valued part of both our estate and the Darlington community, ensuring the pub's long-term future is our top priority. "We are continuing to work with licensing authorities and hope to provide an update to the community soon.' READ MORE: Four illegal workers found at The Oak Tree near Darlington Home Office probe As previously reported, four illegal workers were found during the visit last year. Three of the four workers did not hold the right to work, while the other was working in breach of conditions during the immigration visit in December. Ms Aydin, who was in charge of employing staff, told officers: 'I don't normally ask for ID, I do ask if they're okay to work and nine out of ten I go with what they say.' A premises licence report said one of the workers tried to run from the kitchen when officers arrived, while another 'attempted to walk away'. The Oak Tree in Middleton-St-George has closed (Image: CHRIS BOOTH) Concerns were also raised over wages after one worker said he was paid £300 in cash a week, which would equate to £7.14 per hour based on the time he was working, more than £4 less than the national minimum wage at the time. Bailiffs have since been sent in to collect the £90,000 fine. Ms Aydin, who took over The Oak Tree last June, claimed that two workers had since started the process with the Home Office and are not illegally working, although this has not been confirmed. She said: 'To Darlington Council, the brewery, the community: I am so sorry if I've ever caused distress. That was never my intention. I tried to belong. 'I took over a pub not to take anything away but to build something for everyone. If I failed, then I carry that failure with pain. Because I tried. I really, really tried. Read more: Post Office confirms branch closing date - as bosses explore takeover interest 'Disruptive' passenger removed from Teesside to Mallorca flight by Spanish police 'Quirky hidden gem' bar to close in matter of days after almost a decade 'I gave all of myself to the pub and the people in it. I never treated anyone like an employee or a customer - I treated them like family. Like human beings. 'I gave everything I could, whether it was time, support, a meal, a kind word. I just wanted people to feel like they mattered. 'To everyone who supported me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.' A Punch Pubs spokesperson said: 'The Oak Tree Inn forms a part of our leased and tenanted estate. It is operated under the terms of a tenancy agreement, meaning the publican runs their own pub business with complete autonomy. 'They are responsible for the day-to-day operation, including upholding the licensing objectives. That said, we take matters like this extremely seriously. 'We have been made aware of the application for a premises licence review and are currently seeking advice to ensure the appropriate action is taken. 'The Oak Tree pub is an important part of the Punch estate, and we will do everything we can to protect its long-term future.'
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
Four illegal workers found at restaurant near Darlington in immigration probe
A restaurant near Darlington could be stripped of its license after four illegal workers were found by immigration officers. The Oak Tree, in Middleton-St-George, was slapped with a £90,000 fine earlier this year for employing two people who did not have the right to work. It followed an immigration visit on December 18 where a total of four illegal workers were identified, one of whom 'tried to run from the kitchen' when officers arrived. Three of the four did not hold the right to work, while the other was working in breach of conditions. The Home Office has now applied to strip the Yarm Road restaurant of its license. The venue, which was taken over by owner Ersim Aydi in June 2024, has still not paid the fine, and bailiffs have now been sent in. Ms Aydin, who is now due to leave her role, apologised to anyone who she had caused distress, saying it was 'never my intention' and that she 'really, really tried'. She claimed that two workers have since started the process with the Home Office and are not illegally working, although this has not been confirmed. Operator Punch Pubs said it takes matters like this 'extremely seriously' and is seeking advice 'to ensure the appropriate action is taken'. Illegal working and minimum wage concerns The probe found two of the workers were found to have entered the UK illegally via small boats. Worker A, who tried to run into the garden when officers arrived, had been working in the kitchen for roughly two weeks, seven hours each day for six days a week. He was paid £300 in cash per week, which raised concerns as this would equate to £7.14 per hour, more than £4 less than the national minimum wage (£11.44 at the time). The premises licence review report said low wages appeared to be supplemented by free food and accommodation. The Oak Tree Ms Aydin told officers she was 'aware that he was not allowed to work in the UK' and Worker A said right to work checks had not been conducted. Worker B, who was found making bread in the kitchen, 'attempted to walk away" when officers arrived and "consistently denied working'. He claimed he arrived at the restaurant the day before to see a friend and have tea - but the manager said he was on a work trial with a view to hiring him. He was found working in breach of his work restrictions, as his claim for protection was refused. An appeal is ongoing. Worker C, who was seen answering the phone and serving a table, confirmed she had been working there for around three weeks. She claimed she did not have scheduled shifts, and is asked to work during busy periods. She said she was not paid and gets free food and accommodation. She said her employer helped her with 'the papers' and that she was aware of her not holding the right to work. Worker C was allowed entry to the UK in September 2024 as a visitor and has never held the right to work in the UK. Worker D, who was seen leaving one of the rooms above the restaurant, claimed he first came ten days ago for an interview. He said he is a chef and a baker but does not work there, claiming he left his passport in London. Officers found it in his bedroom, alongside a fake passport. His last valid leave expired in March 2023, and there were no outstanding applications at the time, meaning he had no right to work. Ms Aydin, who employs the staff, told officers: 'I don't normally ask for ID, I do ask if they're ok to work and nine out of ten I go with what they say.' This was branded 'problematic'. Although one of the workers claimed he did not work there, he was considered a worker at the site as he had an interview ten days before. 'We take matters like this extremely seriously' In response, Ms Aydin said: 'To Darlington Council, the brewery, the community: I am so sorry if I've ever caused distress. That was never my intention. I tried to belong. 'I took over a pub not to take anything away but to build something for everyone. If I failed, then I carry that failure with pain. Because I tried. I really, really tried. 'I gave all of myself to the pub and the people in it. I never treated anyone like an employee or a customer - I treated them like family. Like human beings. 'I gave everything I could, whether it was time, support, a meal, a kind word. I just wanted people to feel like they mattered. 'To everyone who supported me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.' A Punch Pubs & Co spokesperson: 'The Oak Tree Inn forms a part of our Leased and Tenanted estate. It is operated under the terms of a tenancy agreement, meaning the Publican runs their own pub business with complete autonomy. Read more: Post Office confirms branch closing date - as bosses explore takeover interest Darlington hair salon forced to pay another former staff member thousands 'Milestone of justice' for Jack Woodley's mum as teen's killers unmasked They are responsible for the day-to-day operation, including upholding the licensing objectives. That said, we take matters like this extremely seriously. 'We have been made aware of the application for a premises license review and are currently seeking advice to ensure the appropriate action is taken. 'The Oak Tree pub is an important part of the Punch estate, and we will do everything we can to protect its long-term future.'
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Play area approved at beer garden in Stanground, Peterborough
Play area approved at beer garden A new play area has been approved at a city pub's beer gardens. Punch Pubs, which owns The Whittle in Stanground, has been granted approval by Peterborough City Council for a play area with a new 1.2m-high picket fence and soft flooring around the play equipment. The application stated: "The proposed external scheme will enhance the pub and improve the family experience with the inclusion of the new play area, creating a desirable family-friendly environment for the local community and passing trade to enjoy, year round." Although no public consultation was carried out, Punch Pubs said it was happy to speak to all neighbours and any other parties who wished to discuss the proposed plans.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pair call last orders on 'unforgettable' 40 years
A couple who called last orders after 40 years of running their own pub said the experience had been "unforgettable". Roger and Anthea Cawdron have met politicians, royalty and film stars while pulling pints at the Ribs of Beef in Norwich city centre. They thanked customers and staff for supporting "a true family journey" as they announced the venue's sale to Punch Pubs. "We've laughed, cried, gone to bed with sore feet and weathered a few hangovers, but we've loved every single minute," Mr and Mrs Cawdron said. The new owners promised nothing would change and said: "The service, the beer and the pizza, it all stays the same." The pub, set on the banks of the River Wensum, was first registered as an ale house in 1743, according to its website. After years of closure, Mr and Mrs Cawdron purchased it and reopened the doors in Fye Bridge Street in 1985. "After 55 wonderful years in the pub trade together — including 40 unforgettable years at the Ribs of Beef — the time has come for us to pass the reins to new owners," they said. "To the incredible staff, brilliant brewers and, of course, the amazing customers who've passed through our doors over the decades — thank you." The couple planned to mix a "well-earned rest" with "adventure" after their final shifts behind the bar. They handed the reins to Jon Power and his partner, Jo Dale, who have worked with the Cawdrons for the past eight years. It came as part of a deal with Punch Pubs, which acquired the venue in April. The pub chain's head of acquisitions, Andrew Cannons, said: "The Ribs of Beef is a hot spot in the community, thanks to Roger and Anthea's hard work and dedication over the last 40 years. "I'm delighted that Jon and Jo will continue to run the pub, and I have no doubt they will continue to succeed." Mr Power and Ms Dale posted on social media to announce they had the reins "With the combined hospitality experience of over 50 years between Jo and Jon, we are delighted to make this official." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Pub apologises for drink with date-rape drug name 'Underdog' club voted Europe's best dance venue City beer festival moves to pubs as halls repaired The Ribs of Beef
