Pub reopens with fresh look and new menu

The Oaklands in Peterlee was forced to close its doors at the turn of the year after a dip in fortunes.

A new management team were asked to take over the Enterprise Inns site in Durham Way and, just a fortnight after reopening, say they have managed to get it back on its feet.

Manager Fiona Tench says they’ve been inundated with positive feedback since renovating the site, and they have plans to return the pub to its former glory.

“It used to be one of the best pubs in Peterlee,” she said.

“But it’s had a chequered past and has changed hands a number of times leading to it closing just after Christmas.”

It’s being run by the same team behind Signatures in Silksworth, Sunderland, and The Conservatory, in Sunderland city centre, who have brought in live music on Friday nights and a completely new food menu.

Fiona added: “Enterprise Inns have given us a lot of freedom with the site and we’ve invested a substantial amount of money in refurbishing the pub with new carpets, furnishings and a new bar.

“We have a totally new menu and new chef and the food’s proving really popular.

“You can build a pub around good food and drinks menu and we’re offering gourmet good pub grub.

“While we’ve been finding our feet we’ve been running a limited menu of gourmet burgers, chicken skewers, traditional fish and chips etcetera, but we’re expanding to include mince and dumplings, chilli and pulled pork skewers.

“We’ll also be introducing lunch offers to encourage daytime trade.”

Future plans also include live music on Saturday nights and a buskers’ night on Sundays.

Fiona says she thinks the pub has the potential to continue its early success.

“It’s a good pub in a great location,” she said.

“The surrounding estates are fantastic and we’ve made it cosy and welcoming.”