The Royal Oak pub in Aughton, Ormskirk, is set to reopen on Tuesday, July 21, following a £677,000 refurbishment that promises to make it the community's "new local." The investment, carried out by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, has transformed the pub into a top-quality family and dog-friendly traditional village inn offering great pub food.
Refurbishment Details and New Jobs
Building work began on April 13, and the refurbishment has created 20 new jobs. The pub is run by Dean Jones and James Nolan, both experienced in hospitality. James operates the Deysbrook pub and Amici restaurant in Liverpool, while Dean runs The Lingmell Inn in Liverpool. Together, they also run The Black Bull in St Helens.
James Nolan expressed excitement about the project: "We’re excited to be injecting new life into The Royal Oak and are keen to create a great village pub for the whole community. Aughton is a lovely village, and we want to do it proud. The new team will bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm together with good service. We're looking forward to opening the doors and getting to know local residents, and to everyone enjoying a great summer ahead."
Interior and Exterior Upgrades
The refurbishment includes a new extension that increases dining space. The pub now features a large dining area seating 98 people with a mix of tables, chairs, and traditional leather booths. The lounge offers banquette seating, tiled tables, and leather armchairs, while the bar area includes high stools. New décor, lighting, timber flooring, and carpets are installed throughout, and high-definition TVs in the lounge will show live sport.
The toilets have been upgraded, including a new accessible toilet with baby changing facilities. The kitchen has been enlarged and reconfigured to cater for more diners. Outside, the pub sports a new olive green and white exterior, updated signage, window planting, and a black shiplap-clad extension with large windows. A new front patio provides outdoor seating for 40 people with wooden and metal tables and benches.
Planned Events and Community Focus
The partners plan to host regular quizzes, themed food evenings, steak nights, curry nights, and burger and pint deals on live sport days. In summer, they will organize community events such as Family Fun days and tribute artist days in the large rear garden. Dogs are welcome outdoors but not inside the pub.
Phil McWilliam, Star Pubs Business Development Manager, commented: "Given the success of James and Dean's latest venture, The Black Bull, I have high hopes for their plans for The Royal Oak. They have completely transformed the fortunes of The Black Bull and I am confident that they will do the same with The Royal Oak. They have a keen understanding of family friendly community pubs and what people want. It’s a win-win for all."
The pub's new website describes it as "a beautifully reimagined gastropub designed to bring people together in a setting that feels both refined and welcoming. Your new-look local, where great food and good company come first. Opening July 2026."
