Work in progress: an update on the Royal Oak

Fred Hulls gave Stroud Times a tour of The Royal Oak in Wotton-under-Edge as work continues ahead of its reopening later this month.
The pub will feature completely new food and drink menus, distinct from those at the bistro the duo purchased 18 months ago in March 2023. Since then, Good Food Kitchen has won multiple awards and built a strong reputation for high-quality, locally sourced dishes offering exceptional value.
With multiple busy eateries in the town, Wotton-under-Edge is increasingly becoming a Cotswold foodie destination. The upcoming opening of a taproom in the old hardware store on the High Street will further enhance the town’s hospitality offerings for both locals and visitors.
Fred and Jeremy have assembled a strong team to ensure a smooth reopening following the short closure after they take possession of the pub on 14th October. Head Chef Ross Gardiner, a Stroud native, brings over two decades of culinary experience across the UK. From his early days at bistro Comfy Pews near Gloucester Cathedral, to making homemade burgers and pizzas, to working with Fred at the successful Stroud tapas bar No.23, and most recently at River Exe Café, an award-winning floating restaurant, Ross is ready to establish roots back in his home area at The Royal Oak.
Joining him is Jess Ayres as Front of House and Events Manager. Jess brings seven years of experience from Two Tribes in London, helping the brewery expand through account and event management, along with extensive global hospitality experience, including managing bars at The Sidewinder in Brighton and The Royal Albert in Sydney.
“We see The Royal Oak as full of potential,” said Fred Hulls. “While ensuring the lease is sustainable, we’ve connected with former colleagues who were excited to join us. The community already knows our style; we’ve listened to their feedback and believe we are the right team for the job. Starting with a strong team allows us to deliver consistent food and service, and we couldn’t be happier to have Jess and Ross onboard. For the remainder of 2025, we’ll offer a simple but perfectly executed locally-sourced menu, with some exciting changes planned for 2026.”
For the rest of 2025, the pub will serve high-end pub or gastropub dishes, including Sunday roasts. The venue will close for a portion of January 2026 for renovations before re-opening with a new menu. In addition to the pub’s regular offerings, the team plans to introduce an Italian menu, responding to local demand. The Royal Oak also aims to collaborate with local schools and charities focused on children and families, creating a space that reflects the community’s needs.
******************

For the latest from Stroud Times visit: https://stroudtimes.com/

******************

Stroud Times - the independent community-based news website.

Encompassing the Stroud locality the team aim to provide engaging human interest stories, comprehensive sports coverage, and championing local businesses' success.

Living in the community they serve, editor Ash Loveridge, journalist Matt Bigwood, and photographer Carl Hewlett have joined forces to provide free-to-view local content devoid of a clickbait agenda and pop-up adverts.