A WELL-KNOWN Bromsgrove pub in Catshill is set to reopen, creating 20 new jobs following a more than £500,000 investment.
The refurbishment of The Wildmoor Oak on Top Road will transform it into a gastropub, after an 18-month closure.
It is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bromsgrove residents Bex Wilkins and Sarah Robinson – who grew up in the town.
Pete Jackson – who has a Michelin-starred restaurant background – will lead the kitchen as head chef.
Work starts on March 25, with a scheduled reopening date of mid May thanks to a £513,000 cash boost.
The project will see the outside of the distinctive bright blue building repainted cream and terracotta and new signage and lighting added.
The overgrown rear garden will be revamped for alfresco dining with new planting, furniture and festoon lighting as well as a stretch tent covered patio.
A makeover will update the interior, kitchen, cellar and bar area.
In addition, a full package of energy efficiency measures will be undertaken to boost the pub’s sustainability.
Bex and Sarah – who possess over 25-years of experience in hospitality between them – have been looking for a pub of their own near Bromsgrove for months.
Bex: “We’ve always dreamed of having a pub one day. The Wildmoor Oak ticks all the boxes. It’s in a gorgeous location close to home with a fire for winter and a lovely garden for the summer.
“The village is looking forward to having the pub reopened, and whilst it’s not at its best right now, it will be stunning after the refurbishment.
“We’re aiming to bring it back to life with a whole new identity and turn it into one of the best gastropubs in the area. The Wildmoor Oak has been very popular in the past, and we can’t wait to reopen it.”
Thomas Timmons, area manager for Star Pubs, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Bex and Sarah to reopen.
“They are extremely talented and have extensive experience in pubs. We’re working flat out to reopen The Wildmoor Oak in time for the summer.”
