Riverside pub with unique flood defences for sale

Simon White, who owns the freehold of the Maybush in Witney, claims he has created the country’s first ‘eco pub’ by installing bilge pumps in the ground underneath the pub — in order to protect the building when the Thames waters rise.

He said the defences saved the pub from any damage and held back half a foot of water for a month, during flooding last year.

White, who trained as an architect, spent about £400,000 on the protection and a refurbishment after buying the pub from Greene King in 2011, and said he is currently in the process of being given a £5,000 grant from DEFRA for the work.

“One guest staying at the Maybush likened his experience to being on a ship at sea with the sound of water gurgling all around. This became my inspiration,” he said. “Now just as when a boat springs a leak it is saved from sinking by pumping the water back overboard. Even if the flood defences fail, the pub will be able to bounce back within a day. The fittings have been designed so they can be submerged in water for a month.”

White is now selling the leasehold of the pub, which he claims will be “free-of-tie and free-of-pubco” for the first time in its history.

Visit www.the-maybush.co.uk​ for more details.