An opening date has been announced for a village pub near Wheatley which now has new managers.
The Bat and Ball in Cuddesdon has been closed for over a year, and was put up for sale by owners Admiral Taverns.
Ben Moss, who runs the award-winning pub The Lamb Inn in nearby Little Milton, has struck a deal with the owners and will also run The Bat and Ball, turning it into a favourite destination for foodies.
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He has been supported in his efforts by villagers and has now announced an opening date - January 8.
Mr Moss runs the Montgomery Group, which is known for revitalising local pubs.
It previously restored The Lamb Inn, the 15th century pub about three miles away.
Mr Moss said: "It brings me so much joy to breathe life into this community venue.
"Our mission is to create inclusive spaces where everyone can gather to enjoy great food, drinks, and hospitality.
"The Bat and Ball will be a quintessential local pub, perfect for a casual pint with your dog or indulging in hearty British pub grub.”
He comes from the two Michelin-star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons at Little Milton.
The kitchen will be overseen by executive chef Nat Berney, who has been head chef at The Lamb Inn.
The chefs will link up with local suppliers to showcase the best seasonal produce.
These include third-generation butcher The Calnan Brothers in Watlington for meats, Flying Fish Seafood for fresh catches, DBF Banbury for organically grown vegetables; and Somerset’s famed Longman’s Cheese, all delivered daily.
The carefully curated wine list focuses on small growers, complemented by local ales and Estrella beers.
The dining space at the reopened Bat and Ball will accommodate over 50 guests, with 48 seated covers and additional standing space for 10.
Five guest rooms will also be available, providing comfort for overnight stays.
As you step inside the pub, the main bar area features rich terracotta exposed brick walls and painted beams cleverly designed to mimic natural wood, complemented by large light-filling windows.
Initially the pub will be open from Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Villagers dedicated a lot of time to campaigning for the pub to reopen.
Nicko King, one of the campaigners, said earlier: "The whole village was shocked when the pub closed suddenly and without explanation. We'd lost a central part of our village life.
"We were then very worried that it would be yet another pub turned into a housing development.
"So we’re relieved and excited that Ben Moss, who runs a very successful award-winning pub, The Lamb Inn, in nearby Little Milton, has come forward with an offer to buy it.”
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Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here.
He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.
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