Here is just a little info to let you get to know us better...
Here is little potted history of our pub and the local area... if you have a spare minute or two and maybe a cup of tea (or is that a G&T), we think it's well worth read.
If you'd like to put a name to a face, allow us to introduce you to the crew...
Manager
Beth is a really local girl, having lived in the area from birth. When she's not in our pub she can be found in other pubs, with her 2 aunties, as together they have a singing act, or you will find her enjoying time with her 2 lovely daughters.
Deputy Manager
After completing his degree in international politics and working the bars during his time at uni, Jack found a passion for hospitality. He started working for Brunning and Price during the Oakley opening in May 2016, initially as a bar man, however he has worked his way through the ranks in record time to Deputy Manager. During the last 6 years Jack has brought his own home and welcomed his daughter Rosie into the world, becoming a father has given Jack his full purpose in life and loves nothing more than to show his daughter off around the pub.
Deputy Manager
Chris has joined our Oakley Family, looking for a new adventure moving from our sister pub the Roe Deer, with a wealth of experience within hospitality He has hit the deck running at the speed of light! Chris has quickly become known as a joker, like a breath of fresh air when he comes on shift, with a big smile and warm nature. Don’t be fooled though, this guy knows what hard-work is and how to get the job done. Chris doesn’t really do down-time, with 2 young daughters to run around after, Lily and Amelia; he and his lovely wife Steph are always off on some adventure!
Deputy Manager
Blake joined us at the Oakley in May 2021 straight after lockdown. Previously Blake worked at a wine bar in Newport (where he has lived all of his life) a completely different environment to the Oakley. Blake has taken this change of scenery in his stride, quickly becoming part of the furniture and surpassing all expectation. Anyone who knows Blake will know him for his bubbly personality, always ready to make you smile during the busiest of shifts. During his time at the Oakley he has brought his first home with his girlfriend Hollie, taking him out of the Shire and moving to Penkridge, where he is partial to a game of darts and of course a cheeky pint or two.
Supervisor
Angela has worked with us since July 2016 joining us just after we opened, a true grafter and always willing to help those who need it. Ang is about as local as you can get, living just up the road in Bishopswood for most of her life. If she isn't enjoying a cider at the pub you will see her out walking her 2 little doggy babies, Jasper and Holly. Ang spends her free time keeping fit, dancing around the village hall in her Zumba classes.
Supervisor
What can I say, Lizzie is one of the best, working between the Oakley and her family run straw making company. Lizzie will always cover a shift and offer to help out at the pub as much as she can. Working in the drinks industry on both sides of the coin Lizzie's product knowledge is fantastic and she is our little gem of the Oakley. Outside of work Lizzie spends her time following the football as she is a huge West Brom fan.
Head Chef
Jon is the glue that holds the kitchen together, with his calming influence and caring nature he is a vital part of life at the Oakley, his talent as a chef is clear with his 20 years experience behind him. Born and bred in Stafford he now has 4 boys of his own to keep him on his toes. In his spare time Jon enjoys a work out at the gym and is partial to a cheeky bet... or ten!.
Gardener/Maintenance Person
Rob has been with us for 4 years now and will always lend a hand to any job asked of him, a true handyman. Previously Rob worked for over 30 years caretaking schools and even had his own plant nursery selling his perfect hanging baskets. You will find Rob out and about on his 22 mile cycle rides, always stopping at the Oakley along the way for a light ale to keep him going. Rob's favourite gardening quote is ‘Gardening is medicine that doesn’t need a prescription and has no limit with dosage’
