Paula Murphy and her father Lynn Tosh share their journey as new owners of the Villiers Arms, embracing challenges and community spirit.
Oxhey: The Villiers Arms is a charming pub that feels like home. With its old photos and cozy decor, it’s a true community hub. Recently, it welcomed new family owners, Paula Murphy and her dad, Lynn Tosh.
They took over from Jason Gutteridge and his father in October. Paula shared that her dad has been a regular there for about 30 years. When Jason reached out about selling, they jumped at the chance.
Paula mentioned, “My dad wants to leave a legacy for my daughter and me.” As they work together, Lynn plans to step back, letting Millie, Paula’s daughter, take the reins eventually.
Describing the first three months, Paula called it a “whirlwind.” Even though Millie has hospitality experience, running a pub is a whole new ballgame for them.
Paula said, “The locals were happy it was someone from the area, but they were worried we’d change things, especially the beer.” They’ve faced challenges but are gearing up for summer, planning pop-up kitchens for the garden.
Speaking of the garden, it’s been expanded since Jason bought extra land. Paula is excited to turn it into a special spot, and they plan to repaint the pub’s exterior in spring.
While they’ve made a few changes, Paula insists they won’t alter the pub’s character. “People love it just the way it is,” she said. Living nearby has its perks, too, with a supportive community around them.
“Every job has surprises, and you just learn to handle them,” Paula added, reflecting on their journey so far. The Villiers Arms is in good hands, and the future looks bright.
