Landlord Greene King has taken over the Royal Foresters in London Road, which had served residents of Ascot and Bracknell for more than 30 years, and say they hope to turn it into south-east England’s very first Farmhouse Inn restaurant.

Landlord Greene King has taken over the Royal Foresters in London Road, which had served residents of Ascot and Bracknell for more than 30 years, and say they hope to turn it into south-east England’s very first Farmhouse Inn restaurant.

The pub finally closed on April 16 and Greene King intends to submit a planning application to turn the Foresters into a ‘good-value restaurant’ – Farmhouse Inns are sold on their daily carveries and home-made cakes.

A Greene King spokesman said: “We are excited to be applying for planning permission for a family-friendly Farmhouse Inn, the first in south east England. Usually popular with business-users and families, Farmhouse Inns are good value restaurants known for daily carveries, home-made cakes, cask ales and children’s activity play areas.” The pub had been leased to Whitbread, owner of the Beefeater chain, although Greene King owned the property and have now ended the Beefeater contract.

The refurbishment has been met with a mostly positive reaction online. James Rayburn said: “It’s a fantastic idea. It’s in a brilliant location on the London Road. I think it would be very popular as a carvery as we don’t have a local carvery in the Bracknell or Ascot area.” Bracknell resident Izzy Islam agreed the area needed a new restaurant.

She said: “I’m glad it’s changing. Greene King are a better chain and not overpriced.” However Jessica Rhodes took to Facebook to say: “No! We want the Beefeater back.” A Beefeater spokesman said: “We can confirm that the Royal Foresters in Ascot is closed after being taken over by landlord Greene King.

“We have enjoyed serving the community in Ascot for more than 30 years but guests can visit our other sites close by – The Downshire Arms in Bracknell and The Cricketers in Bagshot.”