Fw: Black Boy
From:
David Rundle
Date:
Jul 08 21:40 UTC
Short link
Below is the latest information I have about The Black Boy which I've sent to a
few interested residents in Old Headington. Apologies for any cross-posting,
but I thought you might like to see this update.
Dear all,
I'm writing to you because we've previously been in contact about The Black Boy
and, as many of you know, the present manager is leaving very soon. I've been
in contact with him and with Greene King and thought you might like to know the
latest information.
We all know the problems that there were with the pub up to a year ago and how
it has really transformed under the present management. Charlie, the excellent
present manager, rents from a small company called The Mustard Group who, in
turn, lease from the brewery, Greene King. I understand that The Mustard Group
gave three months notice on their lease and that Charlie will therefore be
leaving this coming Tuesday (15th July). The first The Friends and myself heard
about this was late last week.
This is certainly sad news for Headington. A key factor in the change is the
downturn in the economy, though I can't help thinking that a lack of publicity
-- the great food at the pub never got the review it deserved in the local
press -- has also hindered it.
The plan now is that Greene King will put in an interim manager who will open
doors, at the latest, the week after next. I have asked for details of the
manager's name etc. In the meantime, the brewery will advertise and interview
for a tenant, emphasising that they want its present style to continue, with an
emphasis on good food. This process will take some months.
I have stressed to Greene King how popular the Black Boy has recently become,
as a venue to be visited rather than avoided. They say that they appreciate
local sentiments -- and we must make sure we keep them to that!
If and when I know more, I'll e-mail you (unless you ask me not to contact you
again on this matter). And, as I realise some of these e-mail addresses are
out-of-date, please do forward to interested neighbours. In the meantime, I
hope as many as possible will make a visit to the Black Boy before Tuesday to
thank Charlie and make his final days there lively. I hope to be there myself
on Saturday night, if my flight back from Dublin arrives on time!
Best wishes,
David
David Rundle
City Councillor (LibDem), Headington Ward
.