Congratulations to Tom West and Chloe Givans who recently opened their pub doors as lockdown restrictions eased in May.

The couple took over The Royal Oak in Charmouth in November last year, but unfortunately had to delay the full opening of the pub due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Youngest Palmers pub tenants

Tom, 26, and Chloe, 24 are the youngest tenants of a Palmer’s pub. Although both have previously worked in the hospitality trade, this is the first pub they’ve taken on. A first taste of the industry involved running a takeaway and delivery service in Charmouth, Lyme Regis and Axminster during lockdown.

The Royal Oak is now open seven days a week from 11am to 11pm and serving food from 12noon to 8pm. A new chef, Josh Chestney, from Lyme Regis has been employed. He will be serving up a delicious new menu featuring local produce.

Wishing all the best to Tom and Chloe as the new pub licensees of the Royal Oak, Charmouth!

Official opening party

The new licensees will be staging an official opening on July 3 at the Charmouth-based pub. The event features music by The Twerzles and popular local duo Guilty Pleasure, made up of singer and guitarist Harvey Causley and drummer Tom Stroud.

Tom and Chloe have been together for seven years are are planning to get married next September.

Tom commented: “We’ve been amazed by the support from the village during lockdown and it’s great to welcome back customers now that pubs are allowed to open indoors again. We never expected to be so busy!”