A POPULAR Presteigne pub is undergoing a refurbishment, ahead of reopening in the near future.

The Royal Oak is having work done – including completely restoring the main bar – with the long-term owners hard at work ahead of new tenants taking over.

The pub has been owned since 2013 by Dale and Claire Gorman, although they passed on the baton as landlords in 2022.

New tenants Sunny Singh and wife Kath Kaur took over, introducing an Indian restaurant alongside the pub, although they have since left the High Street watering hole.

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Dale and Claire have stepped in once more, but say new tenants will soon be in place.

“Unfortunately, we have regained the Oak in a sad state of repair with works needed to be carried out and new equipment to get it back operational,” Dale posted on the pub’s Facebook page on October 21.

“We are looking forward to what we are sure will be a brighter future for the Oak, with new tenants incoming that hold a wealth of experience, providing high standards in the hospitality industry coupled with the ability to provide that Royal Oak local pub feeling again.”

Progress updates on the refurb have followed since this post, with Dale revealing the new tenants are ready and waiting to take over once restoration work is complete.

It may not be the friendly faces of Dale and Claire welcome locals back when the doors do reopen, but he insists the work being done will return the pub to its “traditional Oak best”.

The news has been greeted warmly by local residents, who say the town needs the Royal Oak.

Terry Wells said: “Brilliant news, Dale. Shame it didn’t work out with the previous tenants but Presteigne needs the Royal Oak back as a proper pub.”

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Andrew Lloyd agreed, adding: “Good luck, as the Oak is a great place and Presteigne needs it.”

Jo Chilman said: “Really glad you have it back in your hands. Fab news about tenants. I can't wait to see the Oak back to how it should be.”

Anthony Rocke added: “Hope all goes well in the future with the pub, Dale. We need people like you to keep the pub trade going.”