Free booze flowed and a steady stream of delicious nibbles appeared from the shiny new kitchen. The recently hired staff 'glided' around in an almost invisible manner making sure glasses were filled and stomachs kept supplied. And against this smooth running backdrop, Mr Schwarzenbach, owner of the Culden Faw Estate and the man behind the not inconsiderable investment in The Stag delivered an amusing and sensitive opening speech.And the reaction from the assembled villagers seems to have been universally positive. The quality and design of the bedrooms coupled with the sensitive redevelopment of 'old' bar areas such as the 'snug' and the 'public' met with approval from the regulars. And if the quality of the welcome from newly installed General Manager, Claire Hollis, and her staff is anything to go by, then the new Stag and Huntsman will become quite a draw to both the locals of the Hambleden Valley as well as the walkers and day trippers that so seem to love our beautiful village.
So despite the questions and the scepticism around the intentions of The Estate and the ambitious timescales involved, the renovation must be considered a success. It's perhaps a shame that this chronicle has rankled with certain members of the Estate but looking back at the past six months, I think we can say it's been a fair and honest account of the build process.
A new chapter for The Stag and Huntsman has opened and I will continue to post musings and thoughts on the goings on around the pub for no other reason than I can. The final word however must go to Claire and the staff of the pub. Claire was so proud on Friday night and for very good reason. As the new chapter is written, I sincerely hope that she and all her staff will be central characters in a long and happy story of success.
Is there no storage for beer kegs and gas bottles in the new building ? If so why are they left on the dene? I have already seen kids playing with the gas bottles. Lets hope we do not have an accident.
ReplyDelete