MAJOR INVESTMENT TO REOPEN WELL KNOWN BROMSGROVE PUB AFTER 18-MONTH CLOSURE

A well-known Bromsgrove pub in Wildmoor is to reopen after an 18-month closure, thanks to a £513,000 investment.

The refurbishment of The Wildmoor Oak on Top Road will transform it into a great quality independent gastropub. It is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bromsgrove residents Bex Wilkins – who grew up in the town – and Sarah Robinson. Pete Jackson – who has a Michelin-starred restaurant background - will lead the kitchen as Head Chef.

Work starts on 25^th March, and The Wildmoor Oak is scheduled to reopen in mid May, creating 20 new jobs.

The project will see the outside of the distinctive bright blue building repainted cream and terracotta and new signage and lighting added. The overgrown rear garden will be revamped for alfresco drinking and dining with new planting, furniture and festoon lighting as well as a stretch tent covered patio.

A total makeover will open up the inside, making more space, and upgrade the dilapidated pub to a high standard throughout. The smart new décor will have a stylish, classic design incorporating leather button-back booth and banquette seating, William Morris-style wallpaper and renovated timber floors. In terms of layout, The Wildmoor Oak will have tables in the bar for drinking and socialising, a spacious dining area and a cosy snug.

A full kitchen refit will enable Bex, Sarah and Pete to put The Wildmoor Oak on the map for freshly prepared dishes showcasing the best of British. The menu will feature quality gastropub food, alongside seasonal specials – such as spring lamb, English asparagus and artisan cheese. The pub will cater for all occasions from light lunches to celebration dinners. Sunday roasts are expected to be a popular choice.

A wide selection of premium beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks will complement the food, and Bex and Sarah are overhauling the cellar with state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints. Barista coffee will be served all day.

In addition, a full package of energy efficiency measures will be undertaken to boost the pub’s sustainability.

Bex and Sarah – who possess over 25-years of experience in hospitality between them – have been looking for a pub of their own near Bromsgrove for months.

Says Bex: “We’ve always dreamed of having a pub one day. The Wildmoor Oak ticks all the boxes. It’s in a gorgeous location close to home with a fire for winter and a lovely garden for the summer. The village is looking forward to having the pub reopened, and whilst it’s not at its best right now, it will be stunning after the refurbishment. We’re aiming to bring it back to life with a whole new identity and turn it into one of the best gastropubs in the area. The Wildmoor Oak has been very popular in the past, and we can’t wait to reopen it.”

Adds Thomas Timmons, area manager for Star Pubs: “We’re delighted to be working with Bex and Sarah to reopen and relaunch The Wildmoor Oak. They are extremely talented and have extensive experience in pubs. Under their stewardship The Wildmoor Oak will be a destination dining spot and an exceptional local. We’re working flat out to reopen The Wildmoor Oak in time for the summer.”