Village pub seeks new operators months after takeover

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

The Chequers pub in Berrick Salome is searching for a new operator just months after being taken over and refurbished.

The Chequers, a Grade II listed pub in the village of Berrick Salome near Wallingford in Oxfordshire, is being offered to a new operator just months after a major takeover and refurbishment. Hannah Dickinson's Copper Pubs portfolio took over the pub in December 2025, taking it from previous manager John Thirlaway, who also manages nearby pub The Crown at Benson. At the time of the takeover, the team expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying they were 'really excited' to transform the historic venue into a 'foodie destination'.

An advert posted by pub chain Brakspear now seeks a new operator for the establishment. The listing describes The Chequers as a charming brick-and-flint country pub combining historic character with a warm atmosphere. It notes the pub's convenient location within easy reach of larger towns, its cosy interior and inviting garden spaces, and its strong trade attracting both local customers and destination visitors.

Brakspear's marketing emphasises the pub's recently refurbished condition and its well-established reputation for quality food, presenting it as an opportunity for a new operator to build on this foundation whilst maintaining the traditional appeal of the community pub and its selection of real ales.

How it is being reported

• Village pub searching for new owners just months after takeoverThe Chequers pub in Berrick Salome has been offered up to a new operator just months after it was taken over and refurbished by an indie pub group.Oxford Mail · 23 Oct, 12:30
• Village pub searching for new owners just months after takeoverThe Chequers pub in Berrick Salome has been offered up to a new operator just months after it was taken over and refurbished by an indie pub group.Oxfordshire Guardian · 23 Oct, 12:30

In this story: The Chequers · Berrick Salome · Hannah Dickinson · Copper Pubs · Brakspear · Wallingford · John Thirlaway · Oxfordshire

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