Ferryboat, Whitchurch on Thames

Report on the Whitchurch Web News page https://whitchurchonthames.com/news.php on Tuesday 12 March 2024:

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Star Pubs still aiming to re-open Ferryboat.

There has not been much activity recently at The Ferryboat, leading to doubts about the owners’ enthusiasm for re-opening it. However, the Business Development Manager of Heineken Star Pubs confirmed yesterday that work is continuing. He said that there is still work to do on the electrical supply as the power company had not completed the job. Also, the interior of the pub has suffered considerable damage from waterpipe flooding, which they are planning to repair.

It seems that Albert Tenkorang from The Waterside at Woodley is still lined up to run the pub, but no information was available on a time scale for re-opening.

There is a photo that shows the pub in December 2023 when the footpath was excavated to install a new electricity supply.

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Star Pubs & Bars have advertised the Greyhound for tenancy - noted on 8 January 2024 and was still being advertised on 26 February 2024. As of 4 April 2024 it is no longer being advertised.

Star Pubs & Bars sent these comments to the Whitchurch Web News page https://whitchurchonthames.com/news.php on 9 November 2023:

"We are upgrading the electricity supply for the kitchen to give future operators more options in terms of kitchen equipment. We cannot be specific about timing for this work as it is dependent on a number of third parties involved in the process. We have an operator in place ready to reopen the pub once the current electricity supply situation is resolved, staff have been recruited and stock ordered."

Message posted on the Whitchurch Web Message Board https://whitchurchonthames.com/gbook.php on 14 August 2023:

"Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks were at The Ferryboat this morning. They’ve marked up where they need to excavate on the existing paved walkway to install a new power supply. They believe they can do this without a road closure by routing pedestrians between the “hole” and the front of the FB, but that decision will be for Oxfordshire County Council as Highways Authority. If they are allowed to do it without a road closure the work will take place within 6-8 weeks. If a road closure is required it’ll be at least 3 months. A new power supply is required for the refitted kitchen before The Ferryboat can re-open."

From the Whitchurch Web News page https://whitchurchonthames.com/news.php on 25 May 2023:

"Albert, who runs The Waterside in Woodley, is the new landlord at The Ferryboat, which he will run in addition to his present pub. He has discussed his plans for reopening the pub with his new neighbour Geoff Weir.

The Ferryboat will be a traditional British pub and restaurant, Albert says, and not Turkish or Lebanese as rumours may have suggested. He is leasing the pub from Heineken Star Pubs and is keen to get started but needs to wait for two key upgrades to be completed. A new kitchen is to be installed by Star Pubs and a new electricity supply is to be provided by SSE. At present there is no reopening date. "

Message posted on the Whitchurch Web Message Board 24 February 2023:

"The Ferryboat - good news! My contact at Star Pubs has emailed to say that "We have a new tenant for site and he will be reopening soon. Given the length of time the site has been shut it may take a while to get the offer up and running in full but its definitely on its way all going well." (see https://whitchurchonthames.com/gbook.php).

Closed about 21 June 2022 following the passing in May 2022 of the previous leaseholder. Heineken Star Pubs & Bars wrote to a village resident on 7 July 2022 "... we are committed to reopening the pub but there are legal and compliance procedures that need to be completed before we can recruit an operator. The Ferryboat Inn was run as an independent business. ..." (see https://whitchurchonthames.com/news.php - search for "Ferryboat"). The website is not active as on 9 August 2022, 17 August 2022 and 2 March 2023. The Facebook page has the message "Sadly The Ferryboat is closed for the foreseeable future" dated 13 August 2022 (the Twitter feed has no update).

The Ferryboat is a beautiful 18th century country style pub with lots of atmosphere. Nestled in the small riverside village of Whitchurch on Thames and just a few yards from the Whitchurch toll bridge, the pub had a major refurbishment in 2012/2013. The emphasis is clearly on a top-end pub dining experience, with a separate dining area; but drinkers can still feel comfortable enough in the main bar area.

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There is a defibrillator on the corner of Manor Road, 200m north of the pub, located on the west side of the road in a disused red telephone box.