75529-02THE SEARCH is on for a new landlord for the Royal Oak pub in Old Town. The present landlord and landlady Mike and Stacey Coombes opted for pastures new, meaning that the pub is up for grabs from today.

The couple used to run the Toothill Village Tavern until autumn 2003 before moving to the Royal Oak in Devizes Road.

Now, the pub owners, Trust Inns Limited based in Chorley, Lancashire, is looking for a new landlord and landlady to step forward to take over pulling pints at the drinking hole.

The Coombes' sudden departure sparked rumours in Old Town that the Royal Oak had not been pulling in the punters. Trust Inns said it had been informed and all the staff had been paid in full.

The pub on the corner of Newport Street and Croft Road is currently closed.

Trust Inns business manager Dave Hussey said: "The landlord and landlady have left and the pub is up for lease and will be on the market from today. We knew they were going. We own the pub but they were their own bosses.

"They decided it was time to move on, that's their business. It happens every day. There are no legal problems."

The Royal Oak previously courted controversy when it introduced a Coyote Ugly-theme at the pub.

In November, 2003, new Tease Me nights were introduced by the couple in the pub.

From Thursdays to Satur-days the place transformed from an ordinary run-of-the-mill pub into Old Town's own Las Vegas style table-dancing joint with scantily-clad ladies showing off their moves.

These nights coupled with drinks promotions and other theme nights emphasised the Coombes' desire to transform the pub into the number one Old Town destination for stag and hen nights.

For more information about the post contact Trust Inns recruitment hotline on 0800 0853232 or the main office on 01257 238800.

Jamie Hill