Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge is set to take over a popular Marlow sports pub in November.

O’Donoghues, in Spittal Street, will become The Butcher’s Tap, which will combine a “fully-functioning” butchers and pub in one.

It will operate as a butchers during the day and from 5pm onwards, will turn into a pub offering “simple, meat-led” food, with beers on tap, as well as wine, spirits and community nights.

A campaign was launched in February this year to save the “quintessential British boozer” from becoming a gastropub.

Emma Hazell, who created the petition, said O’Donoghues was a “true community pub” in the heart of the town and should be kept as it was.

Plans to make changes to the Grade II listed building were given the green light by Wycombe District Council in January this year, and a new application for an awning and signs were submitted in May.

The two Michelin-starred chef, who lives in the town with his wife and son, was widely believed to be behind the plans.

Mr Kerridge will partner with friend and butcher Andy Cook, and brewers Greene King, for the venture, which will be his third in the town following successes at West Street eateries The Hand and Flowers and The Coach.

He said: “The quality of produce that Andy brings is uncompromising, and he’s a proper butcher.

“We want The Butcher’s Tap to be the heart and soul of Marlow, somewhere you can pop in every week for your usual order that we’ll have ready for you, but also a place you can have a pint and a hot pork pie straight out of the oven.

“Ultimately, The Butcher’s Tap will be a friendly, welcoming hub for the local community where people can meet for a drink and some simple, honest food.”

What do you think of the plans? Email shruti.sheth@london.newsquest.co.uk or leave a comment below.