A village pub near Cheltenham has risen from serious neglect to become a bustling family favourite, thanks to the dedication of a local couple who invested just over £5,000 initially.
House In The Tree, located in Boddington, has a history spanning more than 500 years. When Jason Clarke discovered the pub in 2012, it had been closed for an extended period and was in a state of serious disrepair. Having managed eight pubs previously and recently leaving a role at Whitbread, Jason was confident in his ability to revive the venue.
Jason, along with his partner Donna James, used his last month’s wages and £5,000 on a credit card to spend three months cleaning, clearing, and renovating before reopening with a modest food and drinks menu. Over the past 14 years, their investment has grown to around £1 million, transforming the pub into a thriving business employing 35 staff and welcoming thousands of visitors annually.
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In recent times, House In The Tree celebrated record performance, with weekly sales reaching £63,000 and an annual turnover hitting £2 million, well beyond the couple’s original target of £500,000 per year.
Jason and Donna dedicate approximately 100 hours each week to ensuring the pub delivers exceptional service and an enjoyable experience. Jason remarked, “We never imagined we’d reach £2 million turnover. It’s been years of hard work and reinvestment, putting resources back into the pub to improve facilities, decoration, and attractions.”
Among its standout features is a family-friendly environment including a large playground, a football pitch with a dugout, and a popular animal area housing pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, and guinea pigs. These additions have made the venue a unique destination for families.
Recent customer reviews praise the pub’s welcoming atmosphere, tasty food, helpful staff, and great value, with one highlighting the combination of animals, play areas, and outdoor spaces as reasons for the pub’s appeal.
Continuous improvements have been supported by the Stonegate pub group, backing new features such as the play area. Outdoor enhancements include a barn equipped with heating and a TV for private events, plus a covered terrace with lighting and seating for 36 guests.
Their focus on delivering a distinctive experience combining good food, family-friendly amenities, and animal interaction has set the pub apart. Traditional pub values are upheld with a 68-seat restaurant serving classic dishes, including homemade pies that remain a best-seller.
Staff loyalty is notable, with kitchen team members like Linda, who has been with the couple for over 12 years and continues to contribute actively.
Despite challenges such as rising costs, the pandemic, and sector pressures, Jason and Donna continue to reinvest with plans for a dedicated under-5s play area and expanded seating near the animal enclosure.
Their efforts have been recognised through awards, including Central England Divisional Pub of the Year from the Stonegate Group’s ‘Stars of Stonegate’ programme.
Donna said, “Turning a struggling pub into a place people love to visit and feel like family has been our proudest achievement.” Jason added, “We’re always looking ahead, planning new areas and experiences. As long as our guests support us, we’ll keep improving.”
Testimonials commend the attentive staff, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food, reflecting the pub’s success.
House In The Tree operates from 11am to 11pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 11am to 8pm on Sundays and Mondays.