New Owners at The Farm
The Farm Stratford is heading into a new phase following its acquisition by Cobbs Farm Co.
Founded by the Wells family in 2019, The Farm – near Snitterfield – has built itself an enviable reputation as a farm shop, restaurant and deli, supplying quality local produce, creating a relaxed atmosphere in which to eat and drink, and creating strong links with the local community.
Cobbs Farm is a leading operator of farm shops, with four outlets in Berkshire and Hampshire, and CEO Tom Newey commented: “We share The Farm Stratford’s commitment to supporting local, quality and regional producers, and we look forward to building on the success already created by The Wells family and their fantastic team.”
Established in 2007, Cobbs was founded out of a passion for supplying the highest quality food with provenance, supporting artisanal producers within the locality of each shop.
Black Swan to re-open
Work is underway to renovate the Black Swan in Henley-in-Arden, with a view to a June 2023 re-opening.
Located in the town’s High Street, the revitalised gastro pub will be operated by the White Brasserie Company, which was originally set up by Raymond Blanc. The celebrated chef still works as a consultant, and is influential in determining the menus for what are described as “British pubs with a French brasserie twist.”
The White Brasserie Company runs 18 White Brasserie pubs and 14 Brasserie Blanc restaurants in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Surrey, London, Dorset and West Sussex.
Not rising from the ashes
Pub group Brunning & Price has confirmed that it will not be rebuilding the Crabmill at Preston Bagot.
“In February of last year an accidental fire occurred in the pub,” says the company’s statement. “Thankfully no one was injured but much of the building was destroyed. We had hoped we could save sections of the pub, but professional advice led to the remainder of the building being deemed so badly damaged that it too cannot be saved. Since then, working with the insurers, planning consultants and designers, we have attempted to pull together suitable plans to reinstate the pub. Due to current economic pressures however the cost of rebuilding has inflated significantly over recent months, and we feel that we could not now successfully replace what we had lost.”
The Pig expands litter
The upmarket Pig Hotel Group is expanding, with news of a new opening in Warwickshire. The Pig On The Farm will occupy a 16th-century farm located on the edge of the Walton Estate near Wellesbourne, just east of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Set within 53 acres of farmland, the stone-built farmhouse, barns, stables, and outhouses will be converted into a 35-bedroom hotel and is expected to open in 2024, subject to planning permission.
Founded in 2011 by hospitality pioneers Robin and Judy Hutson, The Pig Hotels are a collection of rural boutique hotels with restaurants built on a commitment to environmental sustainability. Each of the eight properties is located in the countryside throughout southern England and features homegrown food in a relaxed setting.