Abingdon pub seeks operator less than year after new manager

Last July, Melia Harriss stepped up to be general manger of the Greene King pub College Oak in Peachcroft, Abingdon.

The pub, which generates around £624,000, is to become a new ‘Hive Pub’, a Greene King franchise designed for experienced pub managers.

The model allows them to run their own ready-to-trade business with low setup costs and comprehensive support.

Melia Harriss, new general manager of the College Oak, Abingdon (Image: Melia Harriss)

A Greene King spokeswoman said: “We have plans to refurbish the College Oak in Abingdon and turn it into a Hive Pub – one of our growing pub franchise concepts.

“As part of this, we are currently looking to recruit an experienced pub operator to run the College Oak as a franchisee and actively encourage those interested to apply.

“The pub remains open and trading as usual, ready to welcome customers in to enjoy the summer of sport.”

An advert published by Green King says the successful operator will sign a five-year contract with the pub.

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It says the operator will earn a guaranteed income of £20,000 per annum (paid at £385 per week), plus a percentage of net food and drink sales.

Opportunities for up to £7,500 in bonus per year are also possible if the business is successful.

Earnings are uncapped and can increase or decrease dependent on franchisee performance, Greene King added.

In addition, there is an entry cost of £5,000, including legal fees and training costs, which is payable on change day.

An extra £3,000 will be required as working capital, to ensure there is sufficient cash flow in the business before Greene King makes its first payment.

Ms Harriss took on the College Oak as general manager at the beginning of July, enjoying a highly successful first summer in the role.

But she is no stranger in the pub trade as her father has been a general manager of a pub in Abingdon his whole life, the Roaring Raindrop (previously known as The Midget).

Miss Harriss has worked in various venues in Wallingford and Buckinghamshire, and was offered her first general manager role at the age of 20.

Greene King said she is free to apply for the operator role once it becomes a Hive pub.

The pub has changed hands more than once since previous managers Eddie and Carol retired and moved away.

The College Oak pub is in Peachcroft Road and is open from 11.30am until 11pm Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10.30pm on a Sunday.

Greene King has been asked if Miss Harriss will remain at the pub.