Surrey pub announces closure in 'heartbreaking' decision amid rising costs

-Credit: (Image: Nicola Simons)
-Credit: (Image: Nicola Simons)


Publicans of a favourite local in a Surrey village have announced the upcoming closure of their business, rocking the community. The Rose and Olive Branch in Virginia Water, famed for its “heavenly” food by former Rick Stein employee and a private chef.

The pub boasts glowing reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. However, with the ever-rising cost of living, independent businesses in particular are struggling to thrive.

In a statement posted to Facebook, landlords John and Nikki Simons shared their “heartbreaking” news. The pair wrote: “With regret, The Rose and Olive Branch are closing our doors for the final time on Christmas Day at 3pm due to unviable rising costs.

“Nikki and John would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful customers and staff. All our love xx.”

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The former sign outside the Rose and Olive Branch, which now sits proudly next to the bar
The former sign outside the Rose and Olive Branch, which now sits proudly next to the bar -Credit:Lauren Cole-Lomas

Patrons flooded the comment section with well wishes to John and Nikki. Some comments were even left by customers from as far as America.

One wrote: “Thank You for the wonderful experiences and amazing meals, visited every time I was in London. Peace and Love, John, California, USA,” while another added: “So very sorry to hear this ! Was definitely our favorite local , gutted to hear this sad news.”

A steady stream of positive reviews can be found praising the pub via Google, with one customer writing: “Small menu with some items 'off the menu' so I as worried as I don't really go out to eat have any type of burger.

“I decided to go for the mushroom risotto and my husband the steak pie. They were both heavenly, out of this world. Never had a risotto like it.

“Fed back to the chef that the veg portion was a Little sparse given the price. Deserts were also amazing. Will go back to try a roast, as I imagine that too would be lovely. Amazing Service and friendly staff. Really worth a visit if you like tasty, home made food.”

Commenting on the sad decline of good British pubs across Surrey, one penned: “Absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED having John and Nikki run The Rose and Olive Branch They brought it back to life and made it the community pub we NEED in Virginia water.

“It is absolutely heartbreaking that we cannot retain these long established community venues. I have made long lasting friendships through visiting the Rose and Olive branch. Surely as customers and neighbours of the Rose and Olive branch we can have a say in keeping it as a pub.”

During the first six months of 2024, around 50 pubs shut a month across the UK, according to property intelligence company, Altus. This also includes the number of vacant pubs, meaning that the overall number of operational pubs will be lower.

Virginia Water once had four pubs in total. As The Rose and Olive Branch enters it’s final months, soon the village will have no pubs to speak of.

The Wheatsheaf Hotel will be the closest thing the village has to a pub. Or travelling into neighbouring village, Thorpe, patrons can find The Rose and Crown or The Red Lion, or to Lyne to visit The Royal Marine.

Virginia Water lost The Dog and Fireside, now a commercial building on Christchurch Road, and The Crown on Trumps Green Road which was transformed into The Siam Food Gallery before being demolished to make way for homes.

Finally, the village also said goodbye to The Stag and Hounds on Wellington Avenue, which shut in 2010 after the community lost a long battle to purchase and rescue it. Campaign group STOP (Save Trumps Green's Only Pub) fell short and the pub was turned into a four-bedroom home along with the adjoining car park and gardens becoming houses.

Steeped in history, The Rose and Olive Branch has had a tumultuous few years. After opening and closing with a mixed reception from customers, Nikki and John took it over and transformed it in late September 2023.

The pub is around 250-years-old but its name dates back further to an incident in the English Civil War where the Royalist and Cromwellian forces met to sign a local peace treaty. It is believed the leader of the Roundheads presented the Cavaliers with an olive branch in exchange for a rose.

To book in an wish John and Nikki farewell, click here to book a table before the pub closes.

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