History...
The Akeman, which sits on Akeman Street in the heart of Tring was the first venue to be developed by Oakman Inns and Restaurants Ltd. Having been initially acquired in December 2005, The Akeman first opened its doors in December 2007.
We believe that Akeman Street was part of an old Roman road that linked Cirencester and Verulamium, running across the south midlands via Alchester (Oxon). The modern name of Akeman derives from the Anglo-Saxon words meaning ‘oak-man’. So both Oakman Inns and Restaurants Ltd and The Akeman were born!
Peter Borg-Neal, Managing Director of Oakman Inns and Restaurants Ltd, has spent his entire career developing and operating public houses and restaurants. His vision for The Akeman was for a modern public house and restaurant that sat at the heart of the community. This meant being able to meet the requirements of the modern customer while retaining all the traditional benefits of warmth, hospitality, and comfort of a local pub. Great food and drink was another important part of this concept.
The original building, which now houses the cosy bar area, was designed by William Huckvale in 1901 for Lord Rothschild, as were many of the buildings in the surrounding area. The original building with its classic design, elegant proportions and imposing façade was the perfect place to develop a charming bar. A modern extension was then added, via a glass link to house the facilities necessary for a great restaurant and stunning garden and decking area.
In 2009 the team behind The Akeman won the Publican Award for the Best
Design, a very proud moment for all involved.
The People...
Peter Borg-Neal
Managing Director
Peter has spent his entire career developing and operating public houses and restaurants. He was the founder and Managing Director of the very popular Forno Vivo Pizzerias’ in Tring and Wallingford. He previously had a corporate career with Allied Domecq and Whitbread.
Peter is a huge rugby fan and is a supporter of Tring Rugby Club, where he referees and trains the under 15’s. As well as being a lover of great food and drink, he likes to travel and is addicted to keeping his Facebook account up to date, being as he says himself, ‘a man of extremes’! He has 4 kids and a black Labrador puppy called Woody.
Fawlty Towers may be one of his favourite TV programs, but when it comes to the hospitality business Peter is a driving force in professionalism and creativity.
Raffaele Mercurio
Operations Director
Raff has a lifetime of experience in restaurant operations. Having started his career in his native Italy, he moved to Brighton in the late 1960’s to improve his English and learn about hotel management. Once here he fell in love and never went back.
In the mid 1970’s he decided to move from hotel management to catering and then in the late 1990’s he met Peter whilst working together. In 2000, after an exploratory visit to Italy, the idea of Forno Vivo was born, bringing Raff to Tring and making him the face of good hospitality here ever since!
After the sale of Forno Vivo, Raff worked very closely with Peter on the concept for the Akeman and all the Oakman Inns & Restaurants properties and is now our very respected Operations Director and general Godfather! Raff also has 2 grown-up children and 2 small grandchildren to keep him busy in any time he is allowed off!
© Oakman Inns & Restaurants Ltd 2009