JOIN US IN THE HEART OF THAME

Peach is a collection of really great pubs, mainly in market towns in the heart of England. The Sixteenth Century building is full of character, and usually filled with characters too. A social hub in this sociable town, we offer true hospitality to friends and strangers alike. As a quality gastropub, we serve great ingredients and fresh, honest food in relaxed, welcoming surroundings, always with a kind word and a sense of fun. Today we have twenty two pubs in lovely towns and villages, and an undimmed devotion to Making life Peachy. We have always been passionate about giving back and as we’ve developed and grown over the years, our ability and motivation to make the world a little better, a little peachier, has grown with us. The Bigger Peach shows our efforts to improve communities, equality in the workplace, and the future sustainability of our world. Our achievements were recognised in 2022, when we won Best Sustainable Pub Company at the Publican Awards, and we’re also three star accredited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. 

Soak up the atmosphere and beautiful period features whilst enjoying a bite to eat, a cocktail, or a glass of award-winning wine from our drinks list. We serve food all day and children are welcome to enjoy smaller portions of any of our dishes. We take huge pride in serving the best ingredients we can find, from ethical producers, freshly prepared by our chefs. We’re dog friendly in our bar and outdoor areas, bring your furry friend and stop by soon. On our bar you’ll find a great range of spirits, beers and softs, so whether you pop in for a drink, a business lunch or a special dinner, we promise you a friendly welcome. Find us here.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Ev & the team

EVELIN RAE, GENERAL MANAGER

Ev grew up in Tallinn, Estonia and came to England while on a gap year from studying for an international business degree at the Estonian Business School. With just £10 in her pocket, getting a job was top of the list and Ev walked straight into one as a waitress in Warwick. Taking to it immediately, she soon took a step up to the fine dining restaurant at the nearby Ardencote Hotel & Spa, before becoming restaurant manager at The Dashwood, a boutique hotel in rural Oxfordshire. Ending up at Peach happened quite by chance. While her then partner was interviewing for a chef’s job, the recruiter told her about an opening at our first pub, The Rose & Crown in Warwick, and she was hooked.  Walking into the pub, her fate was sealed.  Ev loved everything about it, from the buzzing atmosphere in the bar to the delicious food and legendary parties. She stayed for four years, two as assistant and two as manager then moved to Thame, starting here as deputy of The Thatch. After a short break to have her son, Oskar, and a move to The Fleece in Witney as General Manager, Ev has now returned to take the reigns at The Thatch. When not looking after guests, she loves travelling and enjoying wonderful food and wine experiences, notching up visits to 54 countries so far!

Joel Higgs, Head Chef

Born in Normandy, France and raised in East Sussex, Joel started working in hospitality at just 23 years old in a small café at an animal rescue sanctuary and then went on to work at the student university pub, The Dirty Duck in Warwick. He spent a few more years working as front of house before the kitchen started to beckon his name and he began working behind the scenes and was very quickly promoted to Commis Chef after just 6 months. After just a few years Joel had built his own team and was running the kitchen!

Joel was raised with a family of supportive like-minded foodies and has been inspired by the exciting tastes and flavours from across the globe from his many travels to date including Spain, France, Italy, South East Asia, Cuba and Sri Lanka. It wasn’t long before Joel’s talents saw him join the team here at Peach. Joel has worked his way up to Head Chef having worked at many of the Peach Pubs including The Almanack, The Thatch, The James Figg, The Fishes and of course, The Chequers!

Jonathan Taylor, POD Director

Half Scouse and born in Bedfordshire, Jonathan (also known as JT) is a familiar face in the Peach team. Joining the hospitality game at 14, as a pot wash in a local restaurant, Jonathan’s career was soon flying. He moved on to The Birch, in Woburn, where he worked his way up to become assistant manager at just 18 (impressive indeed!). He then developed his skills with Peach during his twenties, where his hard work was nationally recognised, winning an Acorn Award in 2013. He then flew the nest for a few years before reuniting with us as a POD Director.

A true foodie, Jonathan believes real quality lies in local and spends much of his time seeking out independent restaurants, cafes and bars when away visiting different places. If you ask him about the best steak he’s ever had, he’ll be sure to tell you about a back street restaurant tucked away in Campos, Majorca, a place highly raved about by the locals. Along with a sharp taste for food, he has a passion for wine, and we can’t help but love his “I don’t drink bad wine – life’s too short” approach.

On his days off you’ll find Jonathan on the search for vintage watches, playing badminton for his local team, or making the best cauliflower cheese in the UK (a title awarded by his wife).

Say hi if you spot him in the pub!