Meet the new South Cheshire young pub landlady who cut her teeth at a pub near Sandbach and is now running her dream of owning and running her own pub.

Kayley Taylor, 24, grew up in the hospitality industry working with her parents Mark and Janette Taylor of The Brownlow Inn at Brownlow Heath and The Ryles Arms in Macclesfield.

Her parents bought The Royal Oak in Rode Heath near Alsager in 2025 and now their daughter Kayley, who started learning the trade at the tender age of 12, is running the pub and realising her dream.

"I've always had a passion for hospitality," said Kayley who did an apprenticeship in marketing after leaving school before heading to Australia to work.

Rode Heath's Royal Oak has undergone a dramatic transformation since the Taylor family from the Brownlow Inn bought it. (Photo: Nub News)

"I'd always wanted to go to Australia so took the chance but when my parents told me they had got The Royal Oak I decided to come back.

"It needed a lot of work but we all saw the potential and we love how it looks. Mum was in charge of the decoration which I would describe as 'dark, sleek with a touch of Gatsby about it."

Once an 'eyesore' as the pub had been derelict for such a long time, the family has brought it bang up-to-date with a stylish look featuring turquoise, brown and liquorice colours.

advertisement

Kayley said: "At first I thought it was going to be a bit dark but I'm so pleased. It looks amazing and works so well. Everyone has been so kind when they have come in and we've had lots of lovely comments. We're so pleased."

Kayley wanted to create a stylish pub where couples and women on their own could enjoy the lovely setting to relax and meet friends..

"We're starting the Saturday Breakfast Club this weekend and our lunch, evening and Sunday roast menus are on our website," she said.

The Roya Oak has a gorgeous feel and is decorated in sleek and stylish colours. (Photo: Nub News)

Kayley is enjoying running The Royal Oak here which is currently open Wednesday through until Sunday but she says eventually they may open on Mondays and Tuesdays.

"We're doing things slowly and taking time to get things right. Our menu features some of the favourites from The Brownlow Inn such as steaks, pies and skewers.

"We're also working with local suppliers and using as much locally produced produce that we can."

And of course Kayley can be seen behind the bar using her carefully honed skills, making cocktails and speciality coffees.

advertisement

She added: "I worked in the hospitality industry there. It was quite hard to get a job as a barista at first but I eventually succeeded. Australians love their coffee and it's pretty special."

Would you like to know more about Sandbach?

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Sandbach Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Sandbach Nub News on Facebook  or X (Twitter)

We also have a weekly newsletter with the TOP FIVE stories of the week - sign up here