Sad farewell from pub’s managers

The team in charge of The White Oak in Cookham have announced they will be leaving the popular pub and restaurant.

Husband and wife team Henry and Katherine Cripps opened the venue in November 2008 with the dining spot going on to earn recognition in the Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland.

But Sunday, April 14 is set to be the final day of trading for the long-serving restaurateurs after they failed to renegotiate a lease with landlord Greene King.

In an announcement on social media, Henry Cripps said: “It is very, very sad news I am afraid that we will be leaving The White Oak and our last day will be Sunday, April 14.

“Our lease has ended and we tried to renegotiate a new one.

“It’s not the landlord’s fault. “What has been a wonderful and enjoyable business for the last 15 years has become very difficult in the last 12-18 months.

“The financial pressures of hospitality are acute across the board and the bridge closure has really made it incredibly difficult.

“We have loved being a part of your community in Cookham for the last 15-and-a-half years and I would like to thank you all for your support.”

Cookham Bridge was closed from October to March for essential repairs, with many businesses in the village reporting a drop in trade and footfall during the period.

Henry said his time at the venue had created ‘many fond memories’ and friendships with the village community.

The statement added: “I feel that The White Oak is the best it has ever been at the moment with Hattie and Jason at the helm and we all look forward to seeing you until we perform our last service.

“A new operator will be found and I hope you extend the warmth to them that we have enjoyed so much over the years. Thank you, Cookham.”

A Greene King spokesperson said: “After more than 15 years of working in partnership with the operator of The White Oak and their team, we’ll be really sad to see them go.

“We know locals and regulars of The White Oak will be feeling the same way as we do, but we’d like to reassure everyone we are committed to keeping The White Oak open and trading and are in discussions to do this.”