Nick Parkinson and Dominic Chapman take on second Berkshire pub

The owners of Michelin-starred pub the Royal Oak Paley Street have taken over a second Berkshire pub and announced plans for more sites in the future.

Restaurateur Nick Parkinson (pictured, right) and chef Dominic Chapman (left), who have run the Royal Oak since 2007, have joined forces with entrepreneur Eric Newnham to create NED Pubs. The trio's first move in a planned roll-out has been to lease the Belgian Arms in Holyport from pub company Brakspear. They will take charge at the beginning of September and plan to close for two weeks to redecorate and undertake a small refurbishment.

Speaking about the new site, Parkinson said: "The Belgian Arms is a popular pub and we have no intention of abusing its traditional charm and character. We want to enhance the many features the pub has to offer, and the decor and ambience will be in keeping. Our ambition is to keep it simple, clean and very, very good".

The new company plans to establish an affordable pub brand at the Belgian Arms before rolling it out to other sites, said Parkinson. "Our aim is to appeal to a broad audience by offering great food, excellent beer and wine and friendly service at sensible prices."

By Tom Vaughan

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