The landlady at a popular Braithwaite pub has thanked regulars for their loyalty and custom as called last orders for the final time.
But Fiona Law cannot hide her disappointment that the Royal Oak is the latest victim of brewery group Marston’s sweeping programme of changes, which has seen the tenants of four Keswick hostelries evicted since the beginning of the year.
Fiona and her husband Gordon took over at the Oak in 2017, and have since earned a reputation for good beer and great food. More recently, the couple set about a major project to renovate the pub’s 10 bedrooms.
But last year, the brewery issued them with a section 25 notice, effectively giving them 12 months to vacate their hostelry. The same notice was received by tenants at the Twa Dogs Inn, the George, the Bank Tavern and the Oddfellows – and like them, Fiona and Gordon have decided to leave early rather than see out their term.
“It’s very upsetting, because we’ve worked hard to grow the business and our clientele,” Fiona said.
“But it’s been clear that the writing was on the wall from Marston’s, so we have reluctantly decided to call it a day and move on. I just feel really sorry for everyone who has been a part of the Royal Oak. Our chef, Ian Sowerby, has been here for 22 years, but he’s been left wondering what’s going to happen next.”
Marston’s insists that the long-term future of all five pubs is secure, but currently the George is still closed.
“It doesn’t surprise me, because they are going to struggle to get replacement staff,” Fiona said. “The current recruitment situation is horrific.
“I just hope they can get someone in at the Oak, because it’s a huge part of the village and the locals deserve a pub they can call their own.”
