Top-rated pub is to close for good (From Oxford Mail)

Top-rated pub is to close for good

5:00pm Tuesday 27th July 2010 in

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A MICHELIN-starred pub has closed its doors again – just three months after it relaunched.

The Goose, at Britwell Salome, is not expected to reopen as a pub after owner Paul Castle admitted the economic downturn made business in the village “unfeasible”.

The pub reopened in April, six weeks after previous chef Ryan Simpson – who was awarded the star in January – quit with his entire kitchen team amid claims his food was “too poncey”.

His replacement, John Footman, introduced a simpler menu, but the pub never attracted enough customers.

Last night, Mr Castle said the pub, near Watlington, has had a “turbulent year” and confirmed it will close on Sunday.

He said: “Although refurbishing the premises and restaurant was a labour of love and I will be sad to close it, this was the right decision.

“The remote location and the difficult economic climate simply made the business unfeasible.

“Unfortunately, the restaurant needed too many cash injections without seeing any return on investment.”

Mr Castle, a property developer, added the building is “absolutely striking” and could be put to better use.

It is not yet known how the building will be redeveloped.

However, the decision means the village will be left without a pub.

Mr Simpson, 27, and his staff left in February after clashing with Mr Castle. He has since opened a new restaurant near Henley.

Mr Footman, 34, who trained under Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, in Great Milton, said he hoped to offer “something for everybody” when he took over.

His menu included wood pigeon and goat’s cheese sandwich with date purée, belly of Red Lion Farm pork with potato purée and Savoy cabbage choucroute, and banana tarte tatin with peanut butter ice cream.

Speaking at the time, he said: “The restaurant is still going to be very important for us, and the food will be the same standard.

“But we’ll have a bar menu and sandwiches, and real ales, for those people who want to just pop in.

“The sandwiches and bar menu will be very high quality, but will be simpler and cheaper. We want to open The Goose back up to the community.”

The pub, parts of which date back to 1728, was one of the best known restaurants in the county. Mr Simpson became the third chef in a decade to win a star there, following Mike North and Matthew Tompkinson.

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk