The new landlord of a pub in the heart of Malton has his sights set on success.

Chris Burton is one of the new owners of the Royal Oak, in Market Place.

The 49-year-old lives in Pocklington but spent several years in Malton.

“I know the town,” he said.  “I’m Ryedale and Malton in my heart.”

The pub, which holds around 100 people, is owned by the Heineken Brewery which will be carrying out a revamp to the front of the building.

Inside, Chris and the team have already made changes to the interior.

“It’s got a fresh new look, which is service orientated,” he said.

“We just want a nice, atmospheric and homely town centre pub – I think it’s lacking in Malton.”

The pub had a soft opening on Friday, October 13, and plans to have its grand reopening on Saturday, October 28, with a Halloween party.

Behind the bar are local guest beers, cask ales, premium lagers, ciders and more.

Chris hopes to have the kitchen running and serving food in around one month.

He said he will advertise for positions in the kitchen to join the six strong front of house team.

Until then, he said food such as pork pies and sausage rolls by a local butcher will be on sale.

Chris has run hospitality businesses in Spain before but said this is his first in the UK.

He described himself as a “businessman” and said his skills lie in marketing and bringing in customers.

“My skills are in making and getting the people in the door,” he said.

“I look at businesses that I believe have a potential to be successful.

“I was aware that it (The Royal Oak) was coming available. I did some mystery shopping and I saw potential in the premises.”

Pub aims to provide for locals, says Chris

Looking to the future at the Royal Oak, the new landlord aims to stay true to the pub’s locals.

He plans to host live entertainment, along with local pool and darts teams.

“I have got a foundation to explore what the locals want.

“Whatever the locals have a demand for – we’ll package it up and go from there.”

Read next:

Going forward, Chris said he is looking at other premises in the area that he could turn around.

The Royal Oak can be found at 26 Market Place, Malton, YO17 7LX.

It is children and dog friendly and open Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 11pm and from 12pm to midnight Friday and Saturday.

For more information and to keep up to date with the pub, follow the Royal Oak’s Facebook page titled: The Royal Oak Malton.