Wilmoor Oak Re-opens Following Refurbishment

[L-R] Lorenzo and Julie Richards, with actor Nicholas Bailey - cutting the ribbon to open the refurbished pub

The Wildmoor Oak has re-opened, following a two week closure for a major refurbishment. The opening was marked by a special VIP launch night, on Friday March 11, attended by local media, suppliers to the business and representatives from Punch Taverns Partnerships, who own the building.

Television actor, Nicholas Bailey, well known for his role as Dr Truman in Eastenders, performed the cutting of the ribbon with owners Lorenzo and Julie Richards, to officially re-open the venue. Mr Bailey had previously opened the pub four years ago, when Lorenzo and his wife first took over the business.

Before moving to Bromsgrove, in 2007, Lorenzo had previously worked in a variety of positions at venues across Birmingham, including that of national training manager for the Sports Café group, head chef at the Fairlawn’s hotel, head chef in the McGregor suite at Aston villa and executive chef at the Drum Caribbean arts centre, in Aston.

Highly acclaimed for his culinary and business skills, Lorenzo’s talents are reinforced by numerous accolades.  These include ‘Most Creative Business 2008’, ‘Best Restaurant in Bromsgrove 2009’, ‘Which Local Award of Excellence for Food and Drink 2009’ and ‘Midlands’ Jerk cookout chef of the year, 2010’, at Handsworth Park last August.

In February this year, the Wildmoor Oak was voted ‘The most loved English and Caribbean restaurant in the UK 2011’.

“Lorenzo is an outstanding businessman and superb chef, who is truly passionate about producing
great food” said Mr Bailey. “I have known him for many years and am proud to support the re-opening.
I am sure the venue will continue to go from strength to strength under Lorenzo’s guidance.”

The pub was closed on February 28 for a significant programme of enhancement, which included brightening the interior with a contemporary new colour and lighting scheme and the addition of authentic rustic features, to define the eating and drinking areas.

The garden area has also been transformed with a feature made of the stream which runs through the land, as well as the creation of an al fresco dining patio.

A new summer menu has been launched, featuring a combination of Lorenzo’s specialist Caribbean food and traditional English cuisine. Guests at the VIP night were treated to a tasting buffet, to sample the new menu.

Commenting on the relaunch, Lorenzo is very positive about the future of his business. “We have survived the recession far better than many local pubs and restaurants. Our varied offering must have a part to play in our success and we are extremely lucky to have a strong, loyal customer base. However, I hope the refurbishment will attract new people to come and visit to see what we now have to offer.”

For more details or to make a reservation at the Wildmoor Oak, call 0121 453 2696.