A Marlborough pub which reopened with a new landlady earlier this year has now been sold to Admiral Taverns with residents hoping the much-loved pub will stay the same.
The Roebuck Inn, on London Road in Marlborough, had faced several struggles over the years, passing between several landlords and landladies and receiving a two-star food hygiene rating.
When new landlady Jenna took over in February 2024, she told the Gazette and Herald that was all set to change.
Jenna, who did not wish to give her surname, moved to Wiltshire after running a pub in Swansea and described herself as a “new face in a new place” hoping for a new start.
Now the pub will see several other new faces, as it is one of 37 pubs that have been bought by Admiral Taverns, the UK’s leading community pub group.
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The announcement of a community focus will be welcome news for regular punters, who say they aren't looking for big change.
"We've been coming here for about 10 years I'd say and it's a great little place," said Robert, who lives on White Horse Road.
"People who are heading into town like to stop here on the way so it's a good location, and sometimes we get here and decide to just stay and not bother going on into town."
Other punters chimed in that despite all the new faces they were confident the Roebuck Inn would remain the 'small local boozer they know and love'.
The Roebuck Inn was previously owned by Fuller’s, but now Admiral Taverns said that it hopes to develop the pub further to deliver profitable growth.
“I’m delighted to welcome our new licensees to the Admiral team, and we’re excited by the opportunity to develop these pubs in partnership together,” said Chris Jowsey, CEO of Admiral Taverns.
“These 37 pubs are an excellent acquisition for our business, increasing our reach in the South-East of the UK.”
Despite being such a large company, the group says it is keen to maintain popularity among residents and work to meet the needs of the Marlborough community.
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“Our focus is on helping licensees to maximise the revenue potential of their pub which will help them to build their business, whilst providing a vibrant social amenity for their community,” added Chris.
He continued: “Community pubs have demonstrated real resilience over recent times, and we remain optimistic that our nurturing ethos, entrepreneurial licensees and high-quality estate continues to position the Group to be at the forefront of opportunities.”
Admiral Taverns has a good reputation in the hospitality industry, winning the 2024 Community Pub Operator of the Year, and overseeing the running of 1,420 pubs in the country.
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