Brindisa Restaurant Group founder and former Oxford Blue chef-patron acquire Surrey pub

The Bailiwick Public House in Englefield Green, Surrey, has been taken on by Brindisa Restaurant Group founder and co-owner Ratnesh Bagdai and Steve Ellis, previously chef-patron of the Oxford Blue pub in Windsor.

Operating under the newly formed company Dining Etc, which has taken a new 20-year free of tie lease with a rent of £80,000, the site includes the Bailiwick pub and adjacent Cheeseman's Cottage managers' accommodation, which dates to the 1790s.

The site has substantial accommodation, a terraced beer garden overlooking the neighbouring woodland and is set to offer a British menu, making the most of local produce.

The pub was formerly operated by Brunning & Price as a food-led establishment serving cask ales and traditional food.

Paul Tallentyre, head of pubs and bars at Davis Coffer Lyons, which acted on behalf of landlord, Havenchoice, said: "The Bailiwick is in an exceptionally popular rural location in an idyllic setting, with immediate access to the park. The new tenants know the location well and intend to carry out a full refit and provide all day service to a high standard. I'm sure they will flourish."

The Oxford Blue closed during the government-enforced lockdown earlier this year. Ellis was subsequently forced to close the venue permanently and put it up for sale after four years of trading as he was "unable to find a sustainable way forward" for the business.