The owner of a popular High Wycombe pub has said his most recent break-in has been a ‘nightmare’ but is hoping to turn a ‘negative into a positive’.  

Clive Grace, who is the proprietor of the Flint Cottage along Amersham Hill in the town, confirmed via his business’ Facebook page that the boozer had been illegally entered on August 28.

A police report was made and the authorities were at the scene gathering evidence.

The tavern was closed for the whole day before they resumed trading 24 hours later on August 29.

A CSI worker gathering evidence at the scene of the crimeA CSI worker gathering evidence at the scene of the crime (Image: NQ)

Speaking exclusively to the Free Press, Mr Grace said: “I’m OK but I wasn’t expecting to see what I saw on Wednesday morning.

“It was a nightmare.

“I couldn’t put too much out online as there is a criminal investigation taking place, and we have a feeling who might have done this.

“But it’s far from ideal.”

According to the manager, it is the third break-in the pub has experienced, with the most recent incident taking place in the spring of this year.

However, Mr Grace is trying to see the positives of the situation.

It's believed to have taken place in the morning of Wednesday, August 28It's believed to have taken place in the morning of Wednesday, August 28 (Image: NQ)

He confirmed that the pub will be hosting its inaugural Beer & Beyond Festival this Saturday, which will be a ‘downside  into an upside’.

He continued: “After what happened, I did receive several nice private messages from people asking if I was alright, and if I needed help.

“As the police are involved, I couldn’t say too much as an investigation is underway.

“But we’ve got our first Beer & Beyond Festival this week and we’re looking forward to it.

“We’ll be showcasing a lot of beers as we already have four on top so we’ll have an extended range.

“We’ve got music playing and it’ll take place in the garden, so people will need to buy a ticket.

The pub is a short walk away from the town's train stationThe pub is a short walk away from the town's train station (Image: NQ)

“Hopefully we can a downside into an upside and a negative into a positive.”

A Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of a burglary at around 8.40am on Wednesday, August 28 at a business on Amersham Hill, High Wycombe.

“The premises was broken into overnight and a quantity of alcohol was taken.

“Officers are investigating the incident and ask anyone with information to please call 101 or make a report online quoting investigation reference number 43240412795.”