“A small group of investors including the Henmans purchased the freehold of the pub”
“It is an important part of the community, and it can stay that way now.”
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MasterChef 2013 semi-finalist Ollie Hunter has sold the Wheatsheaf pub in in Wiltshire to 2020’s MasterChef champion, Thomas Frake.
It comes after the pub announced via social media last week that Ollie and his wife Lauran would be leaving the pub after owning The Wheatsheaf for more seven years when they purchased the property in 2015.
Under their ownership, sustainability was a huge focus for Ollie and Lauren, with The Wheatsheaf being voted Most Sustainable Business in Britain by the Sustainable Restaurant Association in 2019 and Best Organic Eat Out by the Soil Association in 2020.
In a post on the pub’s Instagram, the pub announced: “We have had the pub for 7 years, to the month, and along the way have learnt a huge amount about life, met a lot of wonderful people, and gave everything to our original aim which was Sustainability.”
They added: “We are so grateful for all the employees we’ve had (the good and the mad), and all the beautiful customers who have supported us to achieve Most Sustainable Business of Year (Sustainable Restaurant Association), Best Organic Eat Out (Soil Association), 75% - 95% Organic Produce (Soil Association), and Sawday's Local, Organic and Seasonal Award.”
Discussing the journey of setting up the pub, Ollie and Lauren explained: “The real award has been rescuing this beautiful pub from what could have been turned into a private house, and now has the opportunity for a new and long adventure. The building is rich in history and character, and it is has been a real joy to peel back the layers of bad landlord traditions to restore the true personality of the pub. It is an important part of the community, and it can stay that way now.”
Speaking to the local publication, Newbury Today, Thomas said: "I'm very excited to be taking stewardship of The Wheatsheaf. I believe country pubs like this are the beating heart of the community, whether that's for the locals or our guests from further afield."
Hinting at what guests can expect from The Wheatsheaf, Thomas said: "Following on from my success on MasterChef, and staying true to the style of food that I enjoy, our focus will be on classic British grub, using seasonal ingredients, and preparing it with love and care."
Dishes will be seasonal and include hand-raised pies and slow-cooked ox-cheek with mashed potato and vegetables in the winter months. The menu will also feature cheaper cuts and nose-to-tail cooking.
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“It is an important part of the community, and it can stay that way now.”
“A small group of investors including the Henmans purchased the freehold of the pub”
CAMRA calls for government action as 290 pubs demolished or converted in 2021
Jake Leach, head chef at The Harwood Arms: 'I enjoy sitting in gastropubs, but they have been, over the years, a bit of a dying breed'
McDonald's challenged for overuse of antibiotics in beef, posing 'systemic, global threat to public health and the economy'
Margot Henderson OBE is opening a pub with rooms in Batcombe, Somerset
