James May, 63, has made an honest assessment of what he likes and “hates” about his country pub.
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour star revealed all to his friend and longtime co-presenter, Richard Hammond, while showing him around the property.
The 63-year-old became part owner of The Royal Oak pub, found in the Wiltshire village of Swallowcliffe, in 2020.
May welcomed Hammond to show off the progress made since he and his business partners took over the business.
As much as the former Top Gear presenter glows about his pub, he admits it has been a challenge.
“I’ve never taken any money out of this pub. All I’ve done is spend money here,” May explained.
May showed Hammond around his country pub
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The part-owner, who tries to be present on the premises whenever he can, admited “there’s no freebies. I pay” when it comes to his visits.
Despite this, May glowed he is “proudest” of the renovations to the pub’s Oak Room.
However, the 63-year-old described one feature as “b***** awful nonsense”.
The dining room features a mock wood-burning stove complete with a faux fire effect.
“offending ‘fireplace’
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“We did not put that stupid fake fire in and I hate it.” May fumed before conceding: “We should change it but I haven’t got around to it.”
On top of his quarrels with the dining room heating, the former Grand Tour star reveals he is often at loggerheads with his business partners and staff.
May explained he “has to have arguments” with pub manager Chris and is often told off for trying to help in the kitchen and at the bar.
The 63-year-old admited dryly he is “not normally allowed in the kitchen” and is “encouraged to leave” when he does enter.
However, May has a great deal of sympathy for the day-to-day workers in The Royal Oak and the pub industry generally.
“If you’re actually going to run it (a pub) yourself it’s hard work,” he explained.
May became part-owner of The Royal Oak in 2020
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“It’s not particularly well paid, it’s not particularly healthy, it’s antisocial, there’s a risk of becoming fat and an alcoholic,” he explained before turning to Hammond a quipping: “So you’d be ideal.”
“Sounds like life, I’m happy,” Hammond beamed in response.
