The Stag loses its head!

The Stag’s Head at Offchurch near Leamington Spa has changed its name following a £100,000 stylish refurbishment.

Two of Raymond Blanc’s protégés have joined forces to acquire this 16th century traditional pub restaurant and have now renamed it The Stag. The tasteful transformation and revival of the bar and restaurant areas plus a much needed make-over to its exterior, follows months of meticulous planning.

Charles (Chucky) Harris who trained with Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons near Oxford and The Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham, has teamed up as general manager with head chef Nigel Brown, who was also part of Monsieur Blanc’s celebrated teams at both Le Petit Blanc Brasseries in Birmingham and Manchester.

As shareholders in this exciting new enterprise, they have combined their entrepreneurial flair to celebrate the re-opening of this traditional thatched ‘chocolate box’ pub and are starting to build an enviable reputation. Great food, great value and a great atmosphere are what can be found at The Stag, not to mention the warm welcome.

Charles Harris who has a passion for service and quality said: “The Stag’s Head has always enjoyed pride of place in Offchurch, but had become tired and neglected in recent years and was definitely in need of some TLC. We felt it was really important to keep the pub’s traditional values and heritage, so by rename the pub as The Stag enables us to mark a new era in its history, yet still retain its sense of belonging with the village and locals.

“First and foremost The Stag is a traditional country pub offering Anglo-French cuisine, as well as bar snacks. Fresh seasonal produce is sourced locally where possible, to provide first class wholesome food on the premises by our fully trained chefs. We’ve used the skills of an international interior designer to create a contemporary, yet comfortable atmosphere in the restaurant and bar areas, allowing the warmth and essence of the pub’s heritage to be retained. The pub bar has a new oak floor with bar seating and tables for ramblers, walkers and regular customers who help to create the traditional English pub atmosphere.

 “During the day, we welcome dogs, walkers and country folk to benefit from our open fires and relaxing environment. In the evening the pub is transformed into a sophisticated dining location, with first class service and excellent food”, he added.

Getting the basics right from day one is their key priority, which means superb country food at value for money prices, local beers and a well stocked cellar of great value wines, available by the glass, 50cl pichet or bottle. A selection of daily specials, in addition to the à la carte menu, features a range of tempting starters from £3.75 - £5.50, mains from £9.00 - £12.50 and desserts at £5.00.

Future plans include an ambitious landscaping project to upgrade existing al fresco dining and drinking facilities, create a kitchen garden for home produced herbs and vegetables, and accommodate marquee extensions for weddings and other private functions.