18th June 2010

Great Western, Ayhno – the perfect English pub.

Rene Klein & Ali Saul have been celebrating a year of success with their customers. It is 12 months since the couple took over The Great Western Arms, Aynho Wharf. Within that time the reputation of their quintessential canal-side English pub has grown and grown and now people travel for miles to enjoy the good food and friendly hospitality.

Rene said: "Winning the best new licensee at the recent Hook Norton Brewery Hooky Gold Awards was exciting for us and our team." To celebrate 12 months at the Great Western the couple held a party for their customers – which included a BBQ in the courtyard, live music, skittles, pool and recent addition- Aunt Sally. "We enjoyed celebrating big time with our regular customers, friends and family," said Rene.The couple have introduced several changes to the pub. The roof has just been replaced and the new outdoor furniture and courtyard layout is proving very popular. The vegetable garden has made rapid progress with lettuces and herbs thriving, as well as potatoes, tomatoes and grapes.

The car parking area has just been expanded. When the front car park is full, customers can now park in the area alongside the canal thanks to the support of the adjacent boat yard. Inside, there is a stylish new wine list including English sparkling wine, a classy new cocktail list and an ever increasing range of premium spirits and malt whiskies to complement the Hook Norton real ales. Ali is over the moon that the beers rated 20/20 when inspected by Cask Marque assessors.

The food menu is changed daily so there is always something different to try. On Friday nights there is a happy hour 5.30-7pm with drink specials on still and sparkling wines and cocktails. The new dessert selection for two is becoming popular- great value and perfect for couples! Katie Doyle continues to sweeten the first Friday night of every month with her acoustic guitar and soulful voice "As most of you will already know, Ali is 8.5 months pregnant! 'Baby G' will be here soon and we can't wait to have our first child.

We both grew up in pubs, great that the family tradition is set to continue," said Rene. 'This pub epitomises everything an English pub should be," said Hook Norton Managing director James Clarke.

The Great Western Arms,
Aynho Wharf,
OX17 3BP
Tel: 01869 338288
www.great-westernarms.co.uk