Peach and our Pub
Peach is a collection of really great pubs, mainly in market towns in the heart of England. We serve good quality, fresh, honest food in relaxed, welcoming environments. Always with a kind word and a sense of fun. We’ve always been passionate about giving back and as we’ve developed and grown over the years, our ability and motivation to make the world a little better, a little peachier, has grown with us. The Bigger Peach shows our efforts to improve communities, equality in the workplace and the future sustainability of our world.
The Bear & Ragged Staff in Cumnor is a world away from the Newbury & Swindon roads that stream past only a mile from its door. The heart of the pub is a glorious Tudor beauty. Ancient fireplaces, flagstone floors and mullioned windows with carved lintels, make the bar one of the finest anywhere. A comfortable eatery, conservatory and South-facing terrace provide spaces for every mood – and winding stairs lead to cosy bedrooms with old oak doorways & beamed ceilings.
The village pub, which underwent a complete refurbishment earlier in the year as well as launching an all-new menu of freshly prepared seasonal food, achieved the 1 Rosette accolade following a recent anonymous visit by an AA Hotel and Restaurant Inspector. Demonstrating great cooking across the entire meal, serving food prepared with care, understanding and skill alongside good quality ingredients, showing standout food in the local area.
We are open every day serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We take huge pride in serving the best ingredients we can find, from ethical producers, freshly prepared by our chefs. Whether you pop in for a pint, a business lunch or a special dinner, we promise you a friendly welcome. All day long. We also have nine bedrooms for a peaceful nights sleep. Find out more here.
We are just off the A420 heading towards Abingdon/Cumnor/Wootton. Follow B4017 through the village, just past the shop. The pub will be on the right, just after the garage. There is a car park for guests and residents on a first come first served basis. On street parking is also available at the front of the pub. For things to do in the local surrounding areas click here.
Jon, Halden and the Team
JON GOTCH, GENERAL MANAGER
Meet our general manager, Jon. Born and bred in Oxford, his first job was in a pub, purely for the social side. Turns out he landed on his feet and loved the buzz. So, after his original dreams of a sports career fell through, the pub life was calling. Nothing could beat the busy rush and helping people make memories.
When it comes to food Jon favours South American flavours and he fell in love with the fine dining scene while in Australia. He was keen to join the Peach family because it’s a true hospitality company that still puts the team and guest before the bottom line. And after successfully running our sister pub in Thame, The Thatch, we’re lucky enough to have him hosting in lovely Cumnor.
When he’s not in the pub you’ll find him taking up his other passion – sport! Whether it’s skiing, golf or football, he’ll always find a decent restaurant or wine bar to wind down after. Come and say hi to Jon soon!
Halden Chapman, Head Chef
Halden has been part of the Peach team since the young age of 17. Starting off as a Kitchen Porter at our sister pub, The James Figg, Halden has grown up with us. Halden initially studied Motorsports Engineering at college between working at the Figg, before soon finding his love for the culinary arts.
Halden then moved a few doors down and worked his way up in The Thatch kitchen becoming Sous Chef, before venturing over to his Head Chef role with us at The Bear & Ragged Staff.
Next time you’re in, be sure to look out for our specials board and see what seasonal delights Halden has in store. When not busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen, Halden enjoys relaxing at home or meeting up with friends for a beer.
Sian Lewis, POD Director
Hospitality, and making sure everyone is really well looked after, are in Sian’s genes. From helping her grandfather run the family B&B in the glorious Pembrokeshire countryside where she grew up to studying travel and tourism at Pembrokeshire College. She moved on to manage the two Rosette restaurant at The Maynard, a beautiful boutique hotel in the Peak District National Park, and laying on fantastic foodie events.
Her next home was The Ferry Inn, a fine watering hole, and then its lovely sister pub The Boar’s Head in Narbeth, offering good food and hospitality in equal measure. When it was time for a change, Sian went to Hampshire to become deputy at our own sister pub The Chequers in Eversley Cross, quickly helping this gorgeous village local make its mark, before taking on The Duke of Wellington to make it the best for miles around. Acorn Award winner, Sian, has now been appointed from General Manager to Pod Director for our Surrey and Oxfordshire pubs.