Stow pub to revert to historic name

September 2, 2013

The Royalist in Stow-on-the-Wold is reverting to its historic name of the Porch House when it reopens in mid-September after a major refurbishment.

The Porch House name is believed to have been in use during medieval times.  An inscription over the ancient porch reads ‘TS 1615′, thought to refer to Thomas Shepham, a local benefactor. The building is reputed to be England’s oldest inn, with parts of it dating back to 947AD.

The Grade 2* listed pub on Digbeth Street was bought in July last year by Henley-based pub operator and brewer Brakspear. The refurbishment preserves the site’s centuries-old heritage while updating it where necessary to improve the experience for customers visiting to drink, eat or stay overnight in one of its 14 en-suite bedrooms.

The final result will combine traditional Cotswolds design with modern standards of comfort, in an informal and friendly atmosphere.

Food will be an important part of the Porch House’s appeal, with a menu offering quality, freshly-prepared food using locally-sourced ingredients wherever possible. Drinks include Brakspear cask ales, bottled beers and an extensive wine list.

Managing the Porch House is James Rogers, who was previously at the Olde Bell in Hurley, Berkshire, a large, 5 AA-starred restaurant with a fine reputation for its food. Head chef Stephen Small joins from a top restaurant in Guernsey. James is currently recruiting the rest of the team for the bar, restaurant and bedrooms at the Porch House, creating around 20-25 jobs for local people.

James said, “We’re all delighted with the way the Porch House is looking now and can’t wait to see the completed pub in two weeks’ time. The staff team is also shaping up nicely and all our recruits will undergo thorough training before we open, so our customer service will be outstanding from Day 1.

“We’re determined to make the Porch House Stow’s top destination for drinking, dining and overnight accommodation and we look forward to opening our doors to our first customers on 13th September.”

Pub details: The Porch House, Digbeth Street, Stow-on-the-Wold. www.porch-house.co.uk. Telephone: 01451 870048