The pub group was founded by Ben Moss and has begun its expansion with plans to open its second site – The Bat and Ball in Oxfordshire – next month.
The country pub with rooms will open in Cuddesdon in November, two years after the opening of the group’s flagship The Lamb Inn in nearby Little Milton.
Moss, who worked for 18 years in advertising before deciding to pursue his dream of opening a pub, said his aim would be ‘four to five pubs’ in and around Oxfordshire.
He said: “I feel that’s the number you’d need in order to have a successful business and be able to give back to staff.
Happiness and productivity
“When we opened The Lamb everyone worked their socks off. Now, having won AA rosettes and looking to our second site, we are able to offer benefits and really look after them.
“I worked for a big agency which really looked after its people and that really creates happiness, productivity and better teamwork, so I’ve always had that mentality of trying to reproduce that no matter how small the business was.”
Around seven full time staff, including a head chef, will be recruited for The Bat and Ball, which will open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. A dining area will seat 48 with additional space for 10 standing.
The group’s executive chef Nat Berney, previously of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, and head chef of The Lamb Inn, will oversee the menu of ‘elevated’ pub classics.
Ingredients will be sourced from local suppliers, including meat from The Calnan Brothers in Watlington, seafood from Flying Fish Seafood and organically grown vegetables from DBF Banbury.
Inclusive spaces
The bar will serve local ales and a selection of Estrella beers, with the wine list centred around selections from small growers.
Moss said: “The pub will preserve the essence of a classic local pub, where people can either pop down for a pint with their dog in tow or enjoy some proper good British pub grub."
The 16th Century building, which Montgomery Group acquired from former owner Admiral Taverns,
is currently undergoing refurbishment, with the pub’s interior and its five bedrooms – three suites, a king and a double - designed by Sally Price of Insider Dealings.
Moss added: “It brings me so much joy to bring this community pub back to life in the form of The Bat and Ball and continue our mission of creating inclusive spaces where everyone can come together and enjoy great food, drinks and hospitality.”
- Read more about this week's new openings, including The Bat and Ball, in our latest property round up here.
