One of Cirencester’s worst-kept secrets has been confirmed, with the investors behind the soon-to-reopen Talbot Inn now revealed.
The group comprises a range of local business talent. James Burgess, a director of the Cirencester-based IT company Gbics.com, is joined by chef Ethan Rodgers, formerly of the Lucky Onion Group and Cirencester Park Polo Club. Also involved is Neil Robson, a front-of-house hospitality consultant, alongside experienced entrepreneur John Henry. Completing the group is Jono Rooke, owner of Straight-PR, a communications consultancy also based in the town.
“Rumours began to circulate that it was going to be a carvery, even an Indian, so we want to stop this now, and say that it is going to be a pub, with great beer and drinks, top British food, and will include the five bed and breakfast rooms,” James Burgess said.
“We have got a great team together, and I am excited to get into a new kitchen,” Ethan Rodgers added. “Neil will be managing the venue with me. I have worked with him before, and he is equally looking forward to a new challenge, perhaps not his biggest this year, as he is also getting married – sadly their nuptials will not be at the pub, but we will be celebrating with them. We plan to reopen in mid-May, and announcement of the date will be made soon. We hope you like what we have done to the place.”
“Oh” he added, “we have also changed the name, so keep an eye out for the new sign.”
The pub has been leased from Arkell’s Brewery, which also owns Cirencester’s Golden Cross Inn and The Brewers Inn. The brewery operates 92 pubs across Wiltshire, as well as in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire.
“Arkell’s have been extremely supportive,” Jono Rooke said. “I have worked with them for a number of years, so when one of their venues came up for grabs in a town where two of us were brought up, I suggested it to the group in jest…they thought it was a good idea!”
Keep an eye out for updates on the Opening Night date.
Image credits to Olivia Dale Studio
