So the news is out. The era of the local Landlord is over in Hambleden. Urs Shwarzenbach and the Culden Faw Estate have sold out the running of The Stag and Huntsman to a boutique hotel group -- The Hillbrooke Hotel Company. Quite what this will mean to our local pub remains to be seen but judging from Hillbrooke's website, we can expect quirkiness rather than quaintness. Simple and perfectly cooked modern British food. An atmosphere of informality, fun, friendliness and efficiency and an active part in the local community.
It all sounds too good to be true. Judging by the other properties under the management of this group, we can certainly expect standards to be raised but at what cost The promise of the Estate not to turn The Stag and Huntsman into a gastro pub looks to ring true to a certain extent when you look at the menus of sister establishments. Lunch menus that include beef burger for £12.00. Sausage and mash for £12.50. Puddings all at £6.00. Dinner menus with starters from £6 and mains all around £18. Admittedly, these prices aren't far short of the old Stag and Huntsman menu and I guess if the quality improves, then The Culden Faw Estate can expect to see customers attracted away from the Frog, The Chequers and The Bull and Butcher.
One big plus point that will surely bring in the ramblers are the sandwiches, something that was a rather bizarre omission from the old menu under the previous regime. And if the afternoon menu features in The Culden Faw Estate's plans, then many will be happy.
Alex Dick has been quoted in The Henley Standard saying "we believe the partnership will provide the pub and its visitors with everything that is so good in a traditional village pub." Let's just hope The Culdern Faw Estate and the Hillbrooke Hotel Company remember that The Stag and Huntsman is also a local's pub frequented by a wide mix of villagers on a regular basis. We look forward to a locals welcome and we'll let Mr Christoph Brooke, Managing Director know if we don't (his email and mobile number can be found on The Hillbrooke Hotels website).
Ramblers don't spend £12 for lunch, especially when they can go to the village shop and get a sandwich for £3
ReplyDeleteCompletely agree. I wonder if the Estate, which also the shop, will change the 'market dynamics' and cease offering grub at the shop? I think I can guess the answer to that!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting development this.
ReplyDeleteThe existing Hillbrooke Pubs remind me of the Olde Bell at Hurley: luxury rooms, excellent food and quirky things all over the shop. It could be a lot worse than this and I'm cautiously optimistic.
Positives...
- I think we'll be guaranteed great food in a pleasant environment.
- The cost isn't a major issue as food has never been cheap at the Stag (even when the quality took a dive) and I rather pay a bit more for something worth having.
- Their existing pubs appear to have a good selection of real ale which ticks a box for me and bodes well for the traditional beer festival in September!
- They also offer a loyalty club which might help sway locals' opinion.
Negatives...
Unless the company appoint a decent manager, I think the personal feel of a proper local will be lost to corporate politeness. I get enough of that and would prefer the relaxed, easy-going approach of the old team.
I wonder if a manager at Hillbrooke would agree to meet you locals to discuss what you want, your concerns, ideas etc before the Stag opens proper?
I think we'd welcome that -- good suggestion. And you hit the nail on the head re the importance of a decent manager. I would hate to lose the vibe of The Stag to a 'corporate professional'. Time will tell.
DeleteFeeling a bit uncomfortable about this, but... you seem to be trying to run it for them before they've got anywhere near running it themselves?
ReplyDeleteOnce it's open, the first time you walk in, there will be aspects you don't like... Don't write them off for it, give them a chance....
You might need to give them 6 months to settle down & understand the local vibe...
You might need to accept some change...
We might all need to express our desire for a decent boozer, but let's do it when we need to.
Hi Paddy -- you make a good point about them needing to understand the local vibe. We (I) will certainly gives things time to settle down. I'm sure there will be many good things about the new Stag and there will be things we don't like. But forgive us if we express opinions about what we loved so that if in some way, the new managers can take into account what made it great for us villagers, then we might arrive at a win win once it reopens.
Delete