19/02/2025
We would like to update everyone now we have some certainty......prepare yourself it's complicated and long!
Just as a little background myself and my Husband took over The Royal Oak at the end of November. We had this opportunity (with obvious concerns) and another which would not come to fruition until at least March. So we thought, having a fondness for the pub from living in the forest why not 'have a go' whilst we explore the other opportunity. Well we fell in love with the pub, the people, the community and the support we received was the most heart warming we have had in over 30 years in the industry.......we had planned to withdraw on the final deadline 6th Jan from the other opportunity because we had both fallen for The Royal Oak .....only for our worst fears to happen and a catastrophic flood on 5th January! Maybe devine intervention? Who knows? We have 4 children at various life stages and we have to do what is right for our family so it was with a very heavy heart that we decided to pursue the original other opportunity. It really weighed heavy though, please know that!
So fast forward many stressful weeks, months and wrangling over terms and last week we agreed our new free of tie lease at The Swan in Emery Down. We know the pub of old from direct experience and have many fabulous plans to move it away from the ugly duckling it had become!
What for The Royal Oak? Well our experience of Stonegate has only ever been open and fair. The exterior works have been mainly thwarted by HCC, whilst they refuse to take any responsibility or attempt any remedy themselves. Stonegate were happy to foot the cost of remedial works to completely solve the flooding issues for this essential local asset however HCC says NO! Exterior works, as far as have been allowed are now completed and plans are now in progress for interior solutions that circumvent the handcuffs of simple exterior solutions. We hope for a bright future for 'The Oak', it deserves it and so does the wonderful local community. In the meantime our youngest Daughter will remain at Hordle Primary as she is so very happy so we may see some of you from time to time and sincerely hope you occasionally choose to make the 15-20 minute trip over to The Swan to say hello and experience some of what you loved at The Royal Oak but without the limitations of beer ties! Psst we are continuing our partnership with the wonderful The London Essence Company, have you tried Hawkstone (we' ll be the only draught stockists in the national park!), People’s Captain who we love for their ethics and concentration on the pub being all a out human interaction, our coffee from Forest Edge Roasting Company roasted to order for us less than half a mile away, well you get the jist......it's very exciting!
It was short, but so very sweet and we thank you all!
