The Oak W12 comes to the Seven Stars roundabout

Bush Blog Editor Simon Grange gives the lowdown on a new pub set to grace the Bush...

 The Oak W12 is due to open on the Seven Stars roundabout in mid-May.

The lease of the former Grand Union pub on the corner of Goldhawk Road and Paddenswick Road has been acquired by Glass Investments, headed by Jasper Gorst. Glass Investments currently operate three other successful pub restaurants, including the Bird in Hand on Masbro Road, Brook Green which they took over last year; the other two being The Oak in Westbourne Park Road, and The Old White Bear in Hampstead.

Like The Oak in Westbourne Grove, The Oak W12 will serve wood fired pizzas as well as an à la carte menu influenced by Mediterranean Italy, Spain and regional France.

Unusually, Jasper is not only a restaurateur but also a designer; not only is he responsible for running the business, but in fact he has designed everything in the interior, including all the furniture and fittings, many of which are being made for him locally by Leather Chairs of England in Acton

Having lived in the Bush for fifteen years, he believes that recent pub closures in the area haven’t simply been a consequence of the current economic climate but reflect a failing on the part of some pubs and restaurants to cater to the changing and more demanding tastes of customers. The success of cosy and excellent gastro pubs in the Bush such as the Anglesea and the Princess Victoria, and the demise of other “traditional boozers” would also indicate an upward shift in the local demographic.

Let’s wish Jasper and his team the The Oak every success and hope that his confidence in the area will inspire others to tidy up this slightly shabby corner of the Bush.