Top News

A company that ran two popular pubs in Oxfordshire has entered liquidation, leaving debts of over £1.5 million. Despite this, both venues remain open but under new ownership. Sergeant and Holliday Pub Co Limited, which ran The Bottle & Glass Inn in Binfield Heath area and Hart Street Tavern in Henley-on-Thames, went into creditors' voluntary liquidation in May 2025, according to a notice on The London Gazette, the UK's official public record since 1665.

Begbies Traynor was appointed as the liquidator to oversee the process. Documents submitted to creditors reveal that the company's liabilities exceeded £1.5 million, including more than £1 million owed to HMRC, about £54,000 in unpaid business rates to South Oxfordshire District Council, as well as sums due to banks, suppliers, and contractors, the Henley Standard reported. The liquidators were tasked with realising any assets and distributing funds to creditors.

Although the company plunged into liquidation, both pubs continue to trade. In 2025, local businessman Matthew Munson reportedly acquired the freeholds and has kept the venues operating under their original names.

Alex Sergeant and David Holliday, who founded the Hart Street Tavern in 2019 and took over the Bottle & Glass Inn in 2017, explained that the debts largely accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced both pubs to close for several months. Despite their efforts to keep the businesses afloat, the economic pressures proved insurmountable.

Mr Sergeant previously told the Henley Standard: "The businesses battled hard through covid to survive but accumulated debt. We worked tirelessly to try to trade out of it but the reality is the economic situation over the past couple of years has meant that, ultimately, the businesses were unable to keep up with repayments."

He added: "Without the debt we accrued through covid and based on our forecasts, we felt strongly that both businesses would thrive, particularly with the amazing support we have garnered in the community over the past half decade, and we felt strongly committed to our staff. So, we were relieved when the sites were rescued. We hope the communities support for these beloved venues will remain strong as ever as they move forward."

Mr Munson said he was approached by the partners at the start of 2025. He told the news outlet that under his ownership staff have been retained and the venues have seen improved revenue, particularly from weddings, corporate events, and private functions.

The Bottle & Glass Inn, formerly operated by Brakspear and renovated by the Phillimore Estate, had a £250,000 interior refurbishment under Sergeant and Holliday. The 'food-orientated' country pub has long been a favourite for local residents and visitors with its beautiful thatched roof and delicious food. It has won multiple awards, including a 2018 listing in the Michelin Guide.

A barn was developed 100 years from the Bottle & Glass Inn to accommodate socially distanced dining during the pandemic. It hosts breakfast, brunch, lunch and drinks every Saturday and Sunday as well as weddings and private events. The venue also offers three comfortable rooms for overnight stays.

Hart Street Tavern is located in the heart of Henley-on-Thames and serves contemporary British cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. The venue offers versatile dining experiences, from coffee and pastries to full dinners in the main dining area or garden.

Guests can enjoy a curated wine list, craft cocktails, and seasonal menus. Hart Street Tavern also hosts private events in a separate dining area, with outdoor seating available when the weather permits, and occasionally features live music performances.