Apprentice star helps revamp Stockwell pub

A former contestant on BBC’s The Apprentice has spearheaded the transformation of a south London pub following a major investment to create a new food-led venue.

Priyesh Bathia is among four partners behind the reopening of The Royal Oak in Stockwell as The Elephant and Barrel, following a £495,000 refurbishment by Star Pubs and its new leaseholders. 

He is joined by Kumar Pillai, chef Yogesh Datta and Karan Datta, with the pub set to reopen in June, creating 25 jobs.

The redevelopment will introduce a large outdoor space with seating for nearly 200 guests, alongside an external bar and food truck serving a rotating menu. 

A life-size animatronic elephant, pictured below, will feature outside the venue, complete with an England flag and jersey in time for the World Cup.

Inside, the layout is being reconfigured with upgraded bar facilities and a refreshed interior designed to reflect a traditional pub setting. 

The drinks offer will include a selection of craft beers, with a focus on Brixton Brewery alongside other well-known brands.

Priyesh says the venue will offer a mix of British pub classics and Indian dishes, alongside live sport, music and community events, positioning it as a new social hub for the area.

He said: “The Elephant & Barrel will be family and dog friendly, somewhere for the whole community to come together. 

“We’re also keen to offer local social and sports clubs a private space to socialise in.

“Our signature animatronic elephant is currently being hand made in Kerala and will be delivered in time for our opening and a summer season of sport. 

“Children and adults love taking selfies next to our elephants. They bring a smile to everyone. 

“We can’t wait to open the doors and welcome customers to their new local which will combine the familiarity of a traditional English pub with a flavour of India.”

Dugald Macer, Star Pubs regional operations director, added: “We’re delighted that Priyesh, Kumar, Yogesh and Karan are taking on what was The Royal Oak and to be investing with them to create a unique local in South London. 

“Their Elephant & Barrel sites in Fulham and Felixstowe have been a great success I am confident it will be the same in Stockwell. 

“The menu will provide the best of British and Indian dishes and there will be a wide selection of premium drinks, including Brixton Brewery favourites.

“I look forward to being one of the first to take a selfie next to the elephant when The Elephant & Barrel reopens!”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.