Latest news with #TheRoyalOak
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I stayed at James May's pub and it wasn't the rooms I was most impressed with'
James May, who is best known for his role on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, bought a pub in 2020 and it's been reviewed by a content creator who was left impressed by one aspect Jeremy Clarkson isn't the only former Top Gear presenter to own a pub. Following his success with Amazon Prime's Clarkson's Farm programme, the Grand Tour star opened his own establishment, called The Farmer's Dog, in August 2024. Located in Asthall, near Burford in Oxfordshire, it continues to attract sizeable crowds keen to sample the Cotswolds pub for themselves. Meanwhile, fellow Grand Tour star James May purchased The Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 2020. Unlike Clarkson, May owns half the pub, which dates back to the 18th Century. Recently content creator Phil Carr, who is known for his satirical reviews of towns and businesses across the UK, decided to visit the establishment himself to see what it was like. In a TikTok video, Phil observed that most celebrities who buy a pub do it as a "self-indulgent folly, a bit of fun, or simply to invest in massive property in hugely valuable areas in a way that people will love them for". However, James, who is a part-time resident in Swallowcliffe, and the community-owned pub "looked like it was going down", he "decided he didn't want to lose his local", so he bought into it. Speaking to Country and Town House, May previously outlined his reasoning for purchasing the derelict pub: "I was a bit browbeaten into buying it, but I also realised that if I didn't there wouldn't be a single pub within walking distance of our home. "Buying it was the only way to ensure there would be. I don't take any money out of it. I take the view that it's like owning a nice painting or sculpture - you own it for self-gratification." Phil described the pub as "pretty cut off", but said this is "part of its charm". He paid £175 per night for a "mid level room" in July, which he found "charming". He also noted that breakfast is included, which helps "take the edge off" the cost. After exploring Swallowcliffe, including the fields, he concluded there's "really not much to it" beyond "the pub, the church and 174 residents". However, the highlight of the pub, which truly impressed him, was the cuisine. According to Phil, patrons started arriving in the evening, but it "didn't really get busy like Clarkson's Pub". Joined by fellow content creator Ann Russell, she highlighted James' own gin, launched in 2021 with the idea to blend the flavours of Parsnip and Asian spices. She described it as "rather nice". Then Phil got to the "good bit" - the food. He elaborated: "The highest praise I can give it is, Ann lives just up the road [and] she's been here four times, and anyone who knows her knows she doesn't suffer bulls**t". Having ordered bread, cured trout, souffle, Sirloin steak, a pint of beer, Panna Cotta and Semifreddo, the £104.64 bill felt like "more than a fair exchange", according to Phil. The quality of the breakfast food also left a positive impression on the content creator. Phil wrapped up his thoughts by stating: "Don't come here for a week on holiday or honeymoon but do stop in for a night definitely, if you're on your way to the West Country or milling around the nearby Stonehenge. James did a great thing securing a community pub and they repaid him by making it really very good."
The Herald Scotland
05-08-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Best spots to visit in the New Forest according to readers
It is also lucky to have the New Forest right next to it, offering plenty of gorgeous spots for people to travel to. Due to the abundance of choices, it might pose the question of what the ultimate place to visit in the New Forest is. Therefore, we decided to ask Daily Echo readers to share the one place they would recommend people to go to in the area. The one place people need to visit in the New Forest, according to readers A small number of answers were left by readers, ranging from villages to beauty hotspots and even pubs. Beaulieu was highlighted as a "lovely" spot by one reader, with the village having a lot to offer. It is described as "a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful escape", according to the New Forest Tourism website. The website adds: "Beaulieu is a charming village nestled in the heart of the New Forest, allowing visitors to step back in time to explore the streets filled with character, where free-roaming ponies and donkeys wander." Beaulieu was highlighted as a lovely spot by one reader (Image: Julia Rosser/Dorset Camera Club) Features include an artisan high street, its river and the nearby Beaulieu Motor Museum. Visitors can also follow the river down to the 'living village' of Buckler's Hard, which used to be a shipbuilding spot and now offers the chance for people to learn about the area's history. If you want a nature spot for a day out, then Exbury Gardens was recommended by another reader. Overall, it has 200 acres of woodland, herbaceous and formal gardens to explore alongside a "narrow-gauge steam railway", riverside walks and play areas. Discussing its summer features, its website shares: "Don't miss our collection of hydrangeas, and the Iris, Herbaceous, Sundial and Centenary Gardens all at their best, in bloom with a heady mix of perennials and exotic flowers." Exbury Gardens has plenty to see within its 200 acres (Image: Nick Meek/Dorset Camera Club) Exbury Gardens is also dog-friendly, so there are no restrictions if you want to bring everyone along. Meanwhile, Blackwater arboretum was mentioned by one reader, which can be found closer to Brockenhurst. It is described by Foresty England as "an idyllic setting with a stunning variety of beautiful trees from around the world". There are several trails you can explore, either by walking or cycling, which can allow you to take in the sights. Blackwater arboretum has plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore (Image: Claire Sheppard/Dorset Camera Club) Going for a slightly different approach in answer, two readers suggested The Royal Oak pub in Fritham. It was recently named among England's best 500 pubs according to The Telegraph, thanks to its beer garden and quality food options. On its website, The Royal Oak describes itself as a destination where people can "come together to make great memories, and enjoy amazing homemade and local produce". They say their menu is "full of colour and perfect for when you are on the go or want to enjoy a long leisurely afternoon with friends and family". Additionally, the pub offers three house ales and at least two guest ales in order to satisfy a range of tastes and support local businesses. Another pub that was highlighted was the East End Arms in Lymington, which is a traditional establishment offering locally brewed ales. Its website adds: "Bought in 1990 by John Illsley, bass guitarist of Dire Straits, the pub has a loyal following, attracted by the authentically good food and relaxed atmosphere. Recommended reading: "Join us for lunch or dinner or better still, stay the night in one of our cosy, comfortable bedrooms, and wake up to one of our delicious breakfasts." The pub offers a fireplace for the winter season to create a cosy ambience and atmosphere. In terms of its drinks, the ales come from Ringwood Brewery and the wines are curated by the Solent Cellar.
Rhyl Journal
11-07-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Holywell's The Royal Oak set to re-open its doors next week
The Royal Oak closed in January of last year, having previously been run by Emma Fletcher and her staff for nearly a decade. During that time, it had built a reputation as a locals and tourists public house over the years. The pub, located between Holywell and Greenfield, was then up for sale at £295,000 through Celt Rowlands and Co. Now, it is set for its new lease of life under new management, with its new team confirming that the venue will be re-open as of Friday, July 18. General Manager Simon Owen says he is grateful to the local community for the 'encouragement' and 'support' they have already shown. He said: "I'm really excited to start a new venture in such a close community and to become part of such a community." He added: "A few locals have already popped in whilst we were doing work inside the pub. They've given such encouragement and support, which I love and can't wait to open to meet everyone and create an amazing environment for the locals and families. I'm looking forward to it! The Royal Oak are now on the lookout for part-time staff to join the team. Experience is preferred, but not essential. Anyone interested should contact jack@ A Facebook post from The Royal Oak team added: "We are so proud to announce we have taken the keys to The Royal Oak and we can't wait to re open the doors to this cracking building and meet everyone! "Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information regarding the launch and things to come! See you on Friday 18th July 2025."
Leader Live
11-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Holywell's The Royal Oak set to re-open its doors next week
The Royal Oak closed in January of last year, having previously been run by Emma Fletcher and her staff for nearly a decade. During that time, it had built a reputation as a locals and tourists public house over the years. The pub, located between Holywell and Greenfield, was then up for sale at £295,000 through Celt Rowlands and Co. Now, it is set for its new lease of life under new management, with its new team confirming that the venue will be re-open as of Friday, July 18. General Manager Simon Owen says he is grateful to the local community for the 'encouragement' and 'support' they have already shown. He said: "I'm really excited to start a new venture in such a close community and to become part of such a community." TOP STORIES He added: "A few locals have already popped in whilst we were doing work inside the pub. They've given such encouragement and support, which I love and can't wait to open to meet everyone and create an amazing environment for the locals and families. I'm looking forward to it! The Royal Oak are now on the lookout for part-time staff to join the team. Experience is preferred, but not essential. Anyone interested should contact jack@ A Facebook post from The Royal Oak team added: "We are so proud to announce we have taken the keys to The Royal Oak and we can't wait to re open the doors to this cracking building and meet everyone! "Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information regarding the launch and things to come! See you on Friday 18th July 2025."
Powys County Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Award for long-serving Royal Oak Hotel staff member
A long serving staff member of Welshpool's Royal Oak Hotel has been awarded two accolades by the hotel's parent company. Heidi Benbow, a Front of House Supervisor and a familiar friendly face at The Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool has dual reasons for celebration has she was recognised twice over by the Coaching Inn Group. Her colleagues voted her their Hotel Hero of the Year and she was also awarded the coveted accolade for the whole award-winning Coaching Inn Group, who also operate thirty-four other hotels and inns in market towns across the country. Heidi, who has worked at the hotel for twenty-three years said it was 'wonderful' when her name was announced at the group's annual black-tie awards ceremony attended by some three hundred colleagues and staged at The Engine Shed venue in Lincoln. 'It was wonderful to receive such a vote of appreciation from all my close colleague, but to go on and win the group award was totally unexpected.' Heidi, who was accompanied by her husband Neil, a former General Manager at the hotel, and a group of colleagues said she felt like part of the furniture after such a long spell at The Royal Oak, but still got a huge buzz from welcoming all the regulars and guests from all around the world. Hotel General Manager Laura Hindle added that it was great to know that she always had Heidi's long experienced back-up support at all times during her time at the Royal Oak. Coaching Inn Group Chief Operating Officer Adam Charity said: 'It's clear that Heidi played an invaluable role at The Royal Oak and that she is a most worthy winner of their Group Hotel Hero of the Year Award.'
