UK: The Woburn in Bedfordshire, formerly the Woburn Hotel and part of The Bedford Estates, has reopened under the Oakman Group following a renovation.
The Woburn was taken over and reopened by the Oakman Group. The 48-room hotel, with seven separate cottages, now has a designated car park, making room for outdoor seating for up to 100 guests. Each of the public rooms have been redecorated and provides seating for up to 140 people.
The hotel has six different locations where guests can grab a drink or a bite to eat. Afternoon tea will also be available. Matt Stokes, head chef, was promoted from the Betsey Wynne in Swanbourne, another Oakman pub, to The Woburn.
Stokes said: “We’re open from breakfast until late, and all our dishes are all cooked from scratch. Our menu has an all-encompassing range of healthy, freshly prepared, responsibly sourced dishes, some cooked on our Josper charcoal grill, that I’m sure will please every palate and diet in the region. As well as our Mediterranean-inspired dishes, we are also offering some great British classics and a special kids’ menu. For our daily specials, Woburn’s venison will be a regular feature.”
General manager, Christine Wondracek, will lead the new team of employees. Wondracek has run The Oakman Group’s White Hart, located in Ampthill, for the last six years.
Wondracek said: “It’s been like waking up a giant who’s been hibernating for a year. My team and I have been discovering so much about this wonderful place, which has responded to our makeover and all our TLC. It’s a joy to watch it come alive again and all it needs now is the buzz that comes from looking after our guests whether they’re dropping in for a drink or staying overnight.”
Dermot King, The Oakman Group’s CEO, said: “I think The Woburn could easily become the jewel in the Oakman Group’s portfolio of historic pubs and hotels. Our design and management teams have worked tirelessly on this initial refurbishment so that we could open this week, in time for the summer. With local attractions re-opening, and staycations on the agenda, The Woburn is perfect for those looking for a much-needed mini-break. We think our regulars will be surprised and delighted at how we’ve given each of the areas their own individual character and I’m sure they will quickly find their favourite corner to meet their friends and families.”
Local attractions to the hotel include Woburn Safari Park, Woburn Abbey, and Woburn Golf Club. Dogs are welcome in the bar, as well as the four dog-friendly rooms.
