Simon White, who owns the freehold of the Maybush in Witney, claims he has created the country’s first ‘eco pub’ by installing bilge pumps in the ground underneath the pub — in order to protect the building when the Thames waters rise.
He said the defences saved the pub from any damage and held back half a foot of water for a month, during flooding last year.
White, who trained as an architect, spent about £400,000 on the protection and a refurbishment after buying the pub from Greene King in 2011, and said he is currently in the process of being given a £5,000 grant from DEFRA for the work.
“One guest staying at the Maybush likened his experience to being on a ship at sea with the sound of water gurgling all around. This became my inspiration,” he said. “Now just as when a boat springs a leak it is saved from sinking by pumping the water back overboard. Even if the flood defences fail, the pub will be able to bounce back within a day. The fittings have been designed so they can be submerged in water for a month.”
White is now selling the leasehold of the pub, which he claims will be “free-of-tie and free-of-pubco” for the first time in its history.
Visit www.the-maybush.co.uk for more details.