Villagers who bought White Hart in Ufford to keep it for the community, unveil long-term plans
Pub-goers who grouped together to buy their local have unveiled plans to invest in its long-term future.
A group of four villagers bought the White Hart in Ufford earlier this year after it was put up for sale.
At the heart of a recruitment drive has been general manager Leon Mace and assistant manager Justine Hurley who has moved from New Zealand to take up the post.
“They all drank in here and heard it was going on the market and didn’t want someone coming in who didn’t know the village and taking it over,” said Leon.
“They have given me and Justine their vision, but want us to follow that through.
“We want to remain the pub of the village and to be community-based, but we want to build on the success of the previous owner and make it something the village can be proud of.
“We want to maintain the hustle and bustle while enhancing the restaurant and hotel side of the business.”
An interior designer has been brought in to update the restaurant and rooms, while the owner want to redesign the courtyard and expand the car park.
In the long-term they hope to add more accommodation including shepherd’s hut and treehouse rooms.
A new French-trained executive head chef will also join in the coming weeks.
“The owners want to invest over the next five to 10 years to make something that will last for the future,” Leon added.
Got a story? Email: smeditor@stamfordmercury.co.uk
