Shady Oak near Beeston

[snigsnig]

It would appear that the Shady Oak in Tiverton near Beeston has closed its doors once again. This time however I've heard that the site will be redeveloped, but can't get any firm information. It'd be such a shame to see this pub go, and just wondered if anyone knew any more about it?

 

Cheers (or not!)

Neil

[nipper]

My wife, Mary, had a walk down to the pub the day before yesterday to get some eggs as we were moored close by.

 

All the lights were on, but it was not open.

 

There were three people inside when she was invited inside to wait for the eggs,

 

Apparently the brewers have tightened their hold too much on this pub, and will now close and apparently sold.

 

So, another pub closes and we loose another bit of canal history and English heritage!

Edited November 14, 2014 by nipper

[journeyperson]

It's a shame because it is in a fantastic location, but it has been going downhill for years. I wondered if Brunning & Price might be interested and do what they've done with the Dysert Arms in Bunbury (and every other establishment they have turned their attention to), but it is probably too small for them. I might email them all the same in case it's just not on their radar.

[Guest]

A real shame, we like stopping there for a bite to eat. Hope it is open again. A beautiful spot.

[snigsnig]

To be honest, its been so badly run by the most recent landlords it was comedic - I spent one afternoon drinking orange squash in there as they had run out of everything else I asked for!! I've never really understood why they struggle so much.. it has boat trade, camping trade from their own campsite at the back, bikers (its a popular stop-off point for biking clubs, both cycling and motorbikes), the Sandstone trail passes by Wharton Lock and hence the pubs gets a lot of hikers... when you go in there its generally busy... very strange. It really does deserve better, as Catweasel says its a beautful spot, and could be fantastic in the right hands.

 

N

[Paul C]

To be honest, its been so badly run by the most recent landlords it was comedic - I spent one afternoon drinking orange squash in there as they had run out of everything else I asked for!! I've never really understood why they struggle so much.. it has boat trade, camping trade from their own campsite at the back, bikers (its a popular stop-off point for biking clubs, both cycling and motorbikes), the Sandstone trail passes by Wharton Lock and hence the pubs gets a lot of hikers... when you go in there its generally busy... very strange. It really does deserve better, as Catweasel says its a beautful spot, and could be fantastic in the right hands.

 

N

 

Its in the middle of nowhere. Boat traffic is negligible compared to other income sources.

[mark99]

I went In there and would have drunk them dry as so thirsty.... but they would not take plastic.

[NB Alton]

I've heard that the pub company has sold the pub to a company that owns & operates other sites with campsites & marina / moorings, so hopefully it will reopen in the spring.

 

Cheers, Brian

[Guest]

I went In there and would have drunk them dry as so thirsty.... but they would not take plastic.

Same last couple of times we visited. I have noticed this is becoming a trend in a few places we go to. Quite surprising, and must cost the places some trade.

[mark99]

Same last couple of times we visited. I have noticed this is becoming a trend in a few places we go to. Quite surprising, and must cost the places some trade.

 

Yes a harsh lesson for me so I always carry an emergency wedge now which covers 2 days bar bill.

 

ETA I used the Shady Oak about 3/4 times and had a soft spot for it when I noticed on first visit that there were chickens wandering in and out the pub.

Edited November 15, 2014 by mark99

[Detling]

Don't think the sticky table tops helped and the food was pretty poor when we were there 15 months ago I even had white chips which were not quite raw but not far off.

[snigsnig]

 

Its in the middle of nowhere. Boat traffic is negligible compared to other income sources.

 

Like I said, it was generally always busy.

[DeanSheldon]

Hi, does anyone know what the latest is at the Shady Oak pub near Beeston Castle? has it reopened? cheers

[tillergirl]

It was still being refurbished when we came through last week.......I'll have a look when we go back next week

[DeanSheldon]

Thanks, that would be appreciated

[andyb116]

Moored opposite it at the moment, definitly still being refurbed as there are skips full of interior outside, but looks less like a building site inside than it did a few weeks ago. Towpath rumour at the moment is it will be open at Easter, but for drinks only as they are having a complete new kitchen built and that won't be ready in time. As I say rumour only though.

[Nightwatch]

Sounds like a 'canal' pub has not been lost after all. Which is good.

 

Martyn

Edited March 14, 2015 by Nightwatch

[snigsnig]

Rumour has it that Lakeland Leisure who own Tattenhall Marina - where most of the Shady's boaty clientele head down from - have bought the pub, but I'm not sure how true that is.

[mark99]

Rumour has it that Lakeland Leisure who own Tattenhall Marina - where most of the Shady's boaty clientele head down from - have bought the pub, but I'm not sure how true that is.

 

 

Would not be surprised as the chap who owns Lakeland Leisure used to own caravan parks - and that pub is one (caravan park) too.

 

I hope the chickens still wander into the bar.......if not that's not right!

Edited March 20, 2015 by mark99

[Nightwatch]

Travelled up from the Ashby to Atherstone in the last couple of days. Passed what was a marina. The entrance blocked of years ago by the looks of it.

 

Anyone know any info other that that?

 

Martyn

[cuthound]

If it close to Atherstone, on the left as you approach Atherstone then it is what used to be the hire base for Valley Cruisers (Excellence Afloat) before they moved to Springhaven.

[cuthound]

Duplicate post removed

Edited March 21, 2015 by cuthound

[Nightwatch]

Ah yes,I saw what was Valley Cruisers. Lovely Marina still with a fabulas hillside backdrop.

 

The disused marina we saw was,I think prior to this. Opposite on the tow path side there are lovely old cottages.

 

I think must have been near bridge 33 ish!

[tillergirl]

Well here we are moored opposite the Shady Oak for tonight. I promised I would give an update. Work still in progress but there were workmen on site when we arrived. The manager of the Old Trooper has told us that it will be opening as a Carvery pub. Can't confirm that information though or when it will be open but he seems to think quite soon.

[DeanSheldon]

Thanks for the update Tillergirl. It's good to hear that it hasn't closed altogether .I'll have a run up there at Easter for a look...