The building will be getting a major facelift back into a classic pub
A historic building in Wokingham town centre that has been empty for years is undergoing a renovation to transform it back to its original purpose.
Once known as The New Rose, the building in Market Place was most recently a Cafe Rouge but closed in 2018.
The building will now be getting a major facelift back into a classic pub. Its new owners, The Oakman Group, plan to restore the historic building. The aim is for the boozer to reopen in October.
Although the new pub will feel fresh and new to customers, classic features of the old boozer will be highlighted.
Will Upton, general manager, said: This has been a wonderful voyage of discovery. For example, we have found old fireplaces which are being fully restored and we’ve replaced several areas with reclaimed timbers that had been damaged historically in several fires.
Oakman’s Property Director, Malcolm Schooling said: One of the central elements is a new steel and glass extension, which is a vital part of the design that will maintain the sense of the historic courtyard and allow the original buildings to be viewed from within the new restaurant.
We’re all thrilled that the project is now fully underway, and we hope that the people of Wokingham will approve of our careful restoration that is breathing new life into this prominent and significant building in the heart of the town, he said.
With The Rose being a new addition to the Oakman family, and since the town was called Oakingham for almost two centuries, we felt it appropriate to name it The Oak Room, Schooling said.
Oakman Group’s CEO, Dermot King added: Until recently, Will was Manager at our flagship pub in Berkshire – The Royal Foresters in Ascot. He has enormous experience and is the right person to be opening The Rose and overseeing the project.
He said: Wokingham is gaining a good reputation as a food and entertainment destination and with our prominent position in the town, we are looking forward to playing our part in enriching its culture and vibrancy for both visitors and the local community.
