Back in May 2014, Greene King sold 275 pubs to Hawthorn Leisure, a new operator that was quickly expanding with the help of overseas investment. This winter the two Abingdon pubs that were part of that initial deal –

the Cross Keys

and the Saxton Arms in Abingdon, have boards in the windows to say they are closed.

Two years ago the Nags Head re-opened. It had been a failing pub and was closed for quite some time. During the first winter the pub was refurbished very tastefully and the first year was a success.

During the second winter decking was added to improve the island, and the second year has gone well.

More improvements are underway to landscape the near end of the island.

The pub now has it’s own beer, and as well being in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for the second year running, has retained the title of Town & Country Pub of the Year.

To celebrate there will be a Beer Festival this weekend from 24th to the 26th October with 28 beers and 10 ciders.

The Narrows was forced to close because of _______ earlier this week but is open again this evening. The big windows that open onto the High Street are a great design feature on hot summer evenings.

A new Landlord has just taken over The Broad Face. He plans to build the business up again by serving good pub food, well kept beer, and put on live folk and jazz music. But first needs to re-kit the kitchen. The pub is already open, but expect more news in July when he starts promoting what is happening.

The Grapes has also been re-opened looking smarter – thanks to the Landlord, who also runs the Brewery Tap.

Greene King still have a large foothold in Abingdon, with a large distribution centre on the Business Park, and a number of pubs …

but they have been reported as selling off their two – at risk – pubs in Abingdon to Hawthorn Leisure. Hawthorn Leisure is a new rapidly growing pub chain with 275 pubs acquired from Greene King and 88 from another group. They could get even bigger, and they now own The Saxton Arms,

and The Cross Keys. I expect both will continue to sell some Greene King beer as a three year supply agreement has been signed between the two companies.