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17th September 2013

Brakspear opens second managed site

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Henley pub operator and brewer Brakspear has opened its second managed pub, the Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, after an extensive refurbishment of the historic pub with rooms.

The Porch House was bought by Brakspear last summer and is believed to be the oldest pub in the country, with parts dating back to 947AD. Previously called the Royalist, it reverted to the Porch House, one of its historic names, on reopening.

The redevelopment has preserved the Grade 2* listed building’s heritage while updating it to improve the experience for customers visiting to eat, drink or stay overnight.  The final result, masterminded by Brakspear’s in-house design manager Stephanie Dennett, is a combination of traditional Cotswolds design with modern standards of comfort, in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

Food is an important part of the Porch House’s appeal, with a menu offering quality, freshly-prepared food using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible. At the same time, it retains a pub atmosphere, with space dedicated to drinking customers and a range of Brakspear cask ales, bottled beers and an extensive wine list.

The 13 en-suite bedrooms have been fitted to a high standard, with features such as original timbers and sloping ceilings giving each room an individual character. 

General manager James Rogers has joined Brakspear from the Olde Bell in Hurley, Berkshire, a large, 5 AA-starred restaurant with a fine reputation for its food. Head chef Stephen Small joins from a top restaurant in Guernsey.

Brakspear chief executive Tom Davies said, “We are delighted with the final look and feel of the Porch House. Stow’s drinkers and diners have given the pub a very positive reception in its first few days since opening and we look forward to seeing that build as we move into the festive trading period.”

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The Porch House, Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold. www.porch-house.co.uk.                   Telephone: 01451 870048

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Issued on behalf of:                Brakspear

By:                                           ShielPorter Communications

Further information:                Ros Shiel ros@shielporter.com / 07841 694137