Much-loved hotel is snapped up for £1.6m (From Oxford Mail)
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Much-loved hotel is snapped up for £1.6m
10:00am Friday 14th September 2012 in Abingdon
A MUCH-LOVED 17th Century hotel and pub in Abingdon has been bought by a chain for £1.6m.
The Crown and Thistle in Bridge Street has been sold to Oakman Inns, and will temporarily close in January for a £1.4m overhaul. It is expected to reopen early next summer. The hotel which overlooks the river Thames also houses the Stocks bar.
CEO of Oakman Inns, Peter Borg-Neal said: “With respect to our buildings, The Crown and Thistle is a tremendous addition to our collection.
“It has taken us nearly a year to bring this deal to fruition and I am delighted to finally get it over the line. We are also in advanced discussion regarding a couple more sites and hope to be able to make further announcements shortly.”
Oakman Inns and Restaurants Ltd, based in Tring in Herefordshire, owns another five establishments.
The refurbishment will see a redecoration of the hotel’s restaurant, 19 bedrooms and two bars. Oakman is planning to retain all the current staff, and will remain open for business as usual until the new year.
Comments(8)
colbart
says...
11:31am Fri 14 Sep 12
With all the 'competition' for eateries, wonder what they will offer (thats different).
wavydave
says...
11:45am Fri 14 Sep 12
saddletramp wrote:Don't agree, I go there every other week for a pint, lunch, watch a match on the big screens, whatever. Rarely see kids in there. Fair point about the Thames view though
Much loved,by who? its been a run down kids pub for years. As for "overlooks the Thames"if you stood on the roof you might be able to see the river,otherwise no.
downsview
says...
4:30pm Fri 14 Sep 12
ger elttil OX2 0EJ
says...
4:36pm Fri 14 Sep 12
birdtable
says...
10:09am Mon 17 Sep 12
Victor's_friend
says...
10:59am Tue 18 Sep 12
Why is it so much-loved?
I wish someone would take over the restaurant/hotel across Thames Street that is right beside the Thames. It was a THF and Critchleys had a really good staff Christmas do then. I think it has lost its way since. Shame given the location and expansive private parking/mooring.
greenius
says...
2:33pm Tue 18 Sep 12
Victor's_friend wrote:The pub on the corner of Thames Street IS the Broad Face!
Is this the place on the corner of Thames Street, just down from the Broadface; opposite the old police station? If so, you see the bridges more than the Thames.
Why is it so much-loved?
I wish someone would take over the restaurant/hotel across Thames Street that is right beside the Thames. It was a THF and Critchleys had a really good staff Christmas do then. I think it has lost its way since. Shame given the location and expansive private parking/mooring.
The Crown & Thistle (including the Stocks Bar) is near the top of Bridge Street. It is a historic coaching inn, important to Abingdon's heritage with a courtyard and pillory (after which the bar is mistakenly named... stocks are for arms/head, pillory is for feet or wrists).
Several years ago, the Stocks bar was refurbished and cellars upgraded to include 7 handpumps of cask conditioned real ale, had regular beer festivals and was in the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide in 2010. Unfortunately after the bar manager left, the beer quality and atmosphere declined. You can still get a reasonable pint in there sometimes, but the big TVs and loud MTV music make it more suitable for younger people.
saddletramp says...
10:43am Fri 14 Sep 12
As for "overlooks the Thames"if you stood on the roof you might be able to see the river,otherwise no.