The Woburn Hotel, now called The Woburn, has reopened today (19/5) after being given a makeover and taken over by new management.
The picturesque 18th-century hotel, which sits at the gateway to Woburn Abbey, announced its permanent closure in July 2020 following the devastating impact of the pandemic.
But earlier this year, local pub group, The Oakman Group, revealed that they had acquired the property after signing a 25-year lease with The Bedford Estates.
The 48 luxury bedrooms together with seven cottages within the large courtyard have helped to create 60 new local jobs - a team that will be led by the new General Manager, Christine Wondracek, who is well known in the area.
She has run The Oakman Group’s White Hart in nearby Ampthill for the last six years, and she is thrilled by her new responsibilities.
Christine 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.”
The first visible change that guests might spot outside is that all cars are being directed to the designated car park, beyond the large courtyard. This has freed up space which now provides a choice of outdoor seating for up 100 guests, including a weatherproof and heated awning on the lawn.
Within the historic building, there is a traditional bar and dining area that resembles a traditional English pub.
The Woburn's chefs and bartenders will be offering cocktails, local ales, extensive menus, and traditional afternoon tea.
New Head Chef, Matt Stokes, who has been promoted from another Oakman pub, the Betsey Wynne in Swanbourne, is thrilled with his new role: “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.”
In other news, another local well-known 18th-century hotel has reopened under new management this year.
Chicheley Hall, in the picturesque village of Chicheley, was purchased by a Hong Kong-based property company in March and now aims to become one of the most popular hotels and wedding venues in the area.
