Oakman Inns opens Cherry Tree pub after £2m refurbishment

Oakman Inns has opened the Cherry Tree pub in Olney, Buckinghamshire, after spending £2m developing the site.

The Grade II-listed house, which has been converted from a care home, will feature a 100-cover restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes prepared by head chef Michal Dabrowski on a Josper grill and in a wood-fired oven.

The Cherry Tree's general manager is Stevie Watts, who will oversee operations at the restored building, which has Georgian features such as cornicing, plasterwork, sash windows and parquet flooring.

Oakman Inns' chief executive Peter Borg-Neal (pictured) said: "When we started trading this business 11 years ago we recognised that there was a huge opportunity in high-quality market towns to satisfy a strong demand for smart/casual, drinking and dining. These towns tend to reject national brands with a narrow focus.

"Conversely, our desire to engage with communities and to take a flexible approach to our operations makes them ideal for an Oakman Inn.

"Olney was one of the towns listed in our original business plan and I am delighted that we have made it here at long last. Having purchased the freehold for £1.5m and invested £2m in developing the Cherry Tree, this is a substantial investment and we are optimistic that the people of Olney will be delighted as well."

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