Old pub a foodie heaven

Sep 11 2007

FOOD buffs are in for a gastronomical treat when a £3 million food hall opens next week.

The Oak, in Hockley Heath - formerly The Royal Oak pub - will open on Wednesday, September 19, and will not only boast the best locally grown produce, but also a bar and a restaurant.

The vast food hall houses a butcher, a greengrocer, a delicatessen and separate cheese counter, a bottle shop and a coffee bar. Visitors will also be able to explore the four-acre grounds, including a pond and a nature trail.

A kitchen garden is being planted and the business, on the A3400, has organic farmland nearby where it

will eventually finish its own quality beef and pork and grow vegetables.

Managing director Tony McKinlay said: "We have spent a lot of time putting together a really enthusiastic team of people who are all committed to promoting regional produce, what we call 'proper food'.

"In order to create a complete shopping experience, our deli and bottle shop will stock premium products from Europe and around the world, but more than two thirds of our fresh stock comes from within a 20-mile radius and we plan to keep reminding people of that fact."

The Oak will be open seven days a week. For further details call 01564 785252 or log on to www.theoak hockleyheath.co.uk