Ruscombe's longest-serving landlords leave Buratta's in good hands

The former owners of Buratta’s at The Royal Oak, Ruscombe, said that new landlord, Filip Kola, will do a ‘wonderful job’ running the Ruscombe Lane establishment.

Jenny Buratta and husband Stefano have retired from running their family business after two decades at the helm.

Experienced business owner, Filip, has retained all staff and changes made so far have been positive, like the addition of a new coffee machine.

The village’s longest-serving landlords will still play a role, with Stefano helping occasionally and daughter Emma working weekends.

When the couple bought the village’s only pub back in 2003 they introduced food to the drinks-only pub.

“That really took off,” said Jenny.

“In those days we’d do 150-180 lunches every day. People from the business park would be queuing outside.”

Stefano said the locals liked the continental menus and the new interior design touches that artist Jenny brought.

“It quickly became a community place, with all the locals coming in and it was good getting to know them all,” he said.

Highlights over the two
decades include watching families grow, hosting weddings and getting a regular ‘thumbs-up’ from a famous musician.

“Our staff who worked with us 20 years ago had their children working for us,” said Jenny.

“One staff member had their wedding here, which was fantastic. They had a vintage bus and a steel band in the garden.

“And then we had Jimmy Page popping into the kitchen whenever he was in to tell Stef how wonderful his Sunday roast was.”

The couple have also enjoyed watching community groups develop as the pub played host to neighbourhood watch meetings, Twyford Together events and gatherings from book clubs to sports groups.

“It’s been lovely to be a part of people’s lives and for us to be a part of theirs,” added Jenny.

According to the Burattas, the downside to running a village pub can be tough.

“The saddest thing is watching people who have become really good friends get old and die. That’s the worst: the wakes.

“And we were burgled three times. Once they came in with tasers and cable ties and they were really out to get us.

“That was really frightening and at that time I thought: ‘that’s it we’re going to give it up. I can’t cope’ but we rode that problem out.”

Despite those traumatic setbacks the couple carried on for another ten years and weathered through the changes Covid brought.

“Companies are not using offices now so that trade has completely gone,” Jenny said.

“But it’s been great. We will definitely miss it. I had sort of come out of it and was doing more painting but Stef was working away like a trojan. But it was time to retire. Nobody likes change but handing it over to someone like Filip makes us feel we’ve done the right thing.

“He and our customers get on really well and he knows what sort of pub/restaurant he has bought, how important it is to the locals.”