'Tradition' pub The Elm Tree in Ringwood has new owners

New owners of The Elm Tree, in Hightown Road, recently moved into the traditional British pub and are already settling in well. 

Paul Risbridger, who used to work in motorsports, said he and his wife Deborah (Debs), who has a PR business, both have aspirations to bring the pub back to its former glory. 

He said: “We see the pub as very much a local pub in the centre of Ringwood and it’s the best pub in terms of location, facilities, garden and the rest of it.  

Paul, Debs and Billy the Westie Risbridger – dogs are heartily welcomed in The Elm Tree. (Image: Elm Tree)

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“It's a lovely place but it has got a bit tired in the past few years and our plans are to fire it up again.  

“We're not turning into something we know it isn’t: it’s a traditional British pub, which does pub food, but at a nice level, with a good selection of beer.” 

Paul revealed he wants plans to bring in more events for The Elm Tree, with party nights, quiz nights and other “traditional ideas” to get the pub buzzing again. 

His wife Debs said: "I'd love to be a celebrant and join people on their happiest days."

Work is being planned on the exterior too (Image: Elm Tree)

He added he is not too worried about the cost of living crisis which has hit the industry so hard in recent times because of the pub’s location and loyal punters. 

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“It’s challenging times at the moment, as we all know,” he said. “But what I’ve found out is that there are a lot of older people in Ringwood, especially retired people, who are actually in a good position. 

“I’m not saying they’re not affected but what they are doing is maybe instead of going out for four nights a week to the pub they’re going out for two.  

“But when they do go out, they think rather than having a pint of Fosters, they’ll have a pint of Moretti, or rather than a lasagna, they’ll have a steak, because they think ‘sod it, I’m only going out twice this week so I may as well treat myself and have a good night out’.” 

Paul and wife Deborah are also planning to reach out to local clubs and make The Elm Tree the “hub of the community”.