The Journeyman Opens to Positive Reception in Gerrards Cross
The award-winning pub company, Oakman Inns, opened their 42nd premium pub and restaurant on Packhorse Road in one of the South of England's most attractive market towns, Gerrards Cross.
Called the Journeyman, it takes its name from the classic Jethro Tull song of the same name that contains the line "No time for tea at Gerrards Cross".
Formerly the Gordon White showroom and garage, the Art Deco-inspired building was a familiar landmark from the mid-20th Century when Gordon established his Austin dealership. He and his company played a part in British motorsport, and there are many small references to the distinctive design and energy of those amateur drivers, combined with the relaxed charm of the Mediterranean seen in the new Journeyman.
The former mechanics' workshop has been transformed into a spectacular dining room under a high-pitched ceiling and incorporates Oakman's signature full-length theatre-style open kitchen. The anterior showroom at the front of the building now accommodates a 1950s-style bar with comfortable seating and discrete areas. Outside, a delightful heated outdoor terrace is partially covered by a reproduction of Gordon White's original canopy.
The Journeyman has a convivial atmosphere that appeals to the local community and has a welcome for voyagers and those from further afield. Only open for a week, and already there are regulars for The Journeyman's breakfasts and morning coffee with the morning papers. Regulars are coming too, for after-work drinks, and then there are those dining with family and friends, selecting dishes from the Mediterranean-inspired menu. Everyone should find something to tempt their tastebuds and support their dietary choices. There are traditional home dishes, authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, vegan and vegetarian dishes, fresh varieties of pasta, delicious salads, sustainably sourced fish and charcoal-cooked meats and Sunday roasts.
Oakman Group's CEO & Founder, Peter Borg-Neal, said: "The Journeyman represents a significant investment by Oakman into the heart and economy of this historic market town, which we hope will mark the continued regeneration of the town centre. We know from experience that a restaurant and bar like ours in the centre of town provides an attractive destination for shoppers, visitors and those who do have time for a cup of tea.”
The Journeyman's GM, Jamie Firminger said: "The first few days have been a real success, and I couldn't be more proud of our new team! We put a photo on Facebook of the original building when it was Gordon White's iconic showroom and garage in the 50s and the newly opened Journeyman beside it. These two pictures perfectly capture our desire to become part of the town's history while bringing the very best of modern food and drink. At Oakman, we have a focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing. We care about our footprint and the well-being of all our guests, so we try to create dishes they want to eat, not simply those we want to sell. Our team here is just the best. Fun, enthusiastic and keen to ensure everyone who comes in leaves happy and looks forward to returning. Judging by our opening and all the really kind comments and notes we've received over these first few days, I think locals will be coming to The Journeyman for much more than a cup of tea, as suggested in the Jethro Tull lyrics."
