New team behind The White Oak describe ‘unique opportunity’ of pub venture

The new team behind The White Oak in Cookham have described the chance to take over the popular community pub as a ‘unique opportunity’.

Brucan Pubs are now in charge of the dining spot following the departure of husband and wife duo, Henry and Katherine Cripps, who had run the venue since 2008.

The White Oak becomes the fifth venue to be added to the pub operator’s portfolio but managing director James Lyon-Shaw said their latest venture in Cookham presented an opportunity to continue the pub’s legacy.

James said: “The last few pubs we’ve taken on have been pubs that have either been run into the ground or not invested in at the right time.

“This one is quite a unique opportunity because it’s got a really great reputation already. It’s really well loved by the community and supported well.

“The important thing for us is that, to some degree, we maintain the status quo and focus on that amazing service standard, traditional hospitality and making people feel special.

“We then want to bring our own slant to things which is an honest, British approach with classic British food and a nose to tail ethos on the menus.

“We’re just trying to make sure all the people that loved the White Oak as it was, love it even more now we’ve taken over.”

Brucan Pubs, which also operates The Greene Oak near Windsor, has pledged to focus on sustainability in its menus.

The company recently won The Best Food prize at the Publican Awards in recognition of its sustainability initiatives, which include sourcing meat from regenerative farms and fish from day boats on the South Coast.

The menu will feature classic British food but James told the Advertiser that head chef Chris Hurter will be looking to serve up dishes unlike what you can find elsewhere.

He added: “We try not to keep our menus too run of a mill or mainstream. A lot of mainstream pubs you can see the same dishes on the same menus even if it’s different operators or owners.

“We try and keep things a bit different and offer things that you wouldn’t see on another pub menu.”

An extensive wine list featuring dedicated English wines has also been compiled by Group Sommelier Michael Wrist-Knudsen.

James said: “Its really nice to have a good news story about a pub staying open rather than a pub closing.

“We’ve got plans for a small refurbishment in January but we’re pretty lucky that for now it’s in good shape and people love it.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Visit www.thewhiteoak.pub for further booking details.