Welcome to Stoke St Gregory's
Heart Of The Village
Welcome to our new website. Each of the sections below will soon all feature with further information on their own pages on this heartofthevillage.uk
A multi award winning community enterprise
Winners of the BBC Make a difference award. By the people of Stoke St Gregory
For the people in and around Stoke St Gregory
Heart of the Village
Heart of the Village (HOTV) is the name of a community enterprise in the village of Stoke St Gregory. It owns the Royal Oak which, since November 2020, houses a community shop and café. In April 2021 the pub and restaurant opened as well.
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Combined they are the beating heart of the village, offering visitors and residents of Stoke St Gregory 7 days a week access to vital community services and a chance to socialise.
Village Shop
In this well stocked volunteer run shop you will find what you need, what you like and what you did not know you will want to buy.
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The selection is varied and attractive for villagers and visitors alike and includes some local and regional delicacies.
Café
On a daily basis walkers and cyclists who are enjoying the splendours of the Somerset Levels find some welcome treats and a well deserved break in the HOTV café. There is a choice of teas and freshly ground coffees as well as a good range of soft drinks available. Customers expectation is definitely met when it is time to decide on which of the cakes or snacks to select. The choice is ample and in many cases home baked.
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Pub
Nestled in the quiet village of Stoke St Gregory on the scenic Somerset Levels, The Royal Oak is more than just a pub—it’s the heart of the community. A warm and welcoming space where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy real ales, fine wines, and good company.
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Step inside and you'll find a cozy atmosphere, crackling fires in winter, and a sunny beer garden in summer.
Whether you're popping in for a quiet pint or a lively evening with friends, there's always a friendly face and a great story waiting at the bar. So pull up a chair, settle in, and experience the true spirit of a British village pub.
Restaurant
Our customers thoroughly enjoy the special food events we put on at the Royal Oak in both the café and pub. We have built ourselves a real reputation for tasty and extremely affordable 2 course lunches on Wednesdays.
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Similarly we see a growing interest in the special catering we can put together. Depending on your requirements we are able to offer group lunches, afternoon teas or evening buffets.
Events
The purpose of the HOTV is to provide a hub that offers something for the wider community. Volunteers put on events that vary from skittles and pub quiz to folklore and music events.
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If you would like to organise your own event we have the use of a fantastic function room with its own fully functional bar available. Simply ask!
Volunteers
Last but certainly not least are a group of amazing people who volunteer for the benefit of the community enterprise. Volunteers stepped up and brought the idea of Heart of the Village to Stoke St Gregory. As they say, the rest is history. Thousands of hours have been spent on preparing plans, arrange fundraising, gaining momentum in the community and eventually preparing the building for its new purpose ; a community hub.
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Since then history continued as still today and for many decades to come the hub is managed, run and maintained by volunteers. From the flowers in the garden and general maintenance of the building to buying stock and serving customers, a true army of volunteers are very much keeping the Heart of the Village a vibrant hub for all.
History
The historic timeline (HOTV became a registered Community Benefit Society in March 2019) is not that long yet (shop opened November 2020 and pub opened March 2021).
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What is much more interesting about the history of this unique community funded and run enterprise are the endless stories. Stories of previous use and users of the building. Of dreams by some great characters. Of hard grafting to get the place transformed. And of well deserved good times, enjoying the wonderful facilities that have been created for everyone living in or visiting Stoke St Gregory to enjoy.
HOTV Enterprise
Heart of the Village (HOTV) is a thriving community enterprise in Stoke St Gregory, created by and for local residents. More than just a business, HOTV brings people together, running The Royal Oak pub and the village shop as a cooperative venture. With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and supporting local producers, HOTV is at the heart of village life, ensuring essential services remain available to everyone while fostering a strong and connected community.
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Management Committee
The community enterprise is led by its management committee. It consists of elected members, as per the rules of the enterprise. As elected members they are accountable to the members (shareholders) of the HOTV. The main task for the management committee is to ensure the enterprise delivers on the promise that the Royal Oak is a true community hub at the heart of the village.
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