Growing multiple operator takes on first Greene King pub after £400,000 transformation

Doolin Rock Pub Company has taken on its first Greene King Pub Partners site, The Acorn in Barking, London.

The pub, which was previously known as The Royal Oak, reopened after a £400,000 investment by Greene King.

The new look pub is well known in the local area with a long history in a standout location on a busy junction in a leafy part of Barking.

As part of its transformation, The Acorn has been overhauled both inside and out.

Inside, the trading spaces, bathroom facilities and kitchen have all been significantly enhanced to provide a much more premium experience for pub goers including new and high-quality fixtures and fittings including tables and seating throughout.

Outside, the pub’s beer garden has also been transformed and now features a custom stretch tent for year-round use, as well as a refreshed suntrap terrace at the front of the pub.

Doolin Rock Pub Company currently operates three other pubs with The Acorn becoming the fourth pub of the growing multiple operator.

As a Doolin Rock Pub Company pub, The Acorn will provide a “premium local” offer as the place to go locally for a quality pub experience, whatever the occasion.

First and foremost a great pub with an extensive drinks range, The Acorn will also provide a quality food offer via a menu of freshly cooked pub food.

Alongside its food and drink range, The Acorn will also show a large array of live sports and an eclectic live music offer.

Colin Coogan and Austin Whelan, Co-founders of Doolin Rock Pub Company said:  

“We cannot wait to welcome people to The Acorn. We really believe this pub has so much untapped potential and we look forward to establishing it as the pub to visit in Barking.

“We’ve been very encouraged by Greene King Pub Partner’s willingness to invest in the pub and ourselves as proven multiple operators. This is very much a partnership we hope to expand in the future.”

Phil Arnold, Operations Director for Greene King Pub Partners, said:

“Our £400,000 transformational investment in The Acorn has given this pub a new lease of life and exciting future.

“It is great to be partnering with Colin and Austin – who are experienced and ambitious operators – to help them grow their pub business. Here’s to an exciting future for the both of us!”