Village pubs are set for new lease of life

Related tags White hart Public house Landlord

Both pubs in the Wiltshire Cotswold village of Ashton Keynes are set for new eras. For the White Hart has been sold through Christie & Co's...

Both pubs in the Wiltshire Cotswold village of Ashton Keynes are set for new eras. For the White Hart has been sold through Christie & Co's Bristol office, and the village's only other pub, the Horse & Jockey, has been placed on the market with the agent. The White Hart, originally called the Cordwainer's (shoemaker's) Arms, dates from circa 1720 and took its current title in 1851. It is reputed to be haunted by the notorious West Country highwayman, Jack Dance, who was shot and killed by soldiers of King George II in the pub in 1832. Dance had formerly served aboard ship under the infamous pirate, Blackbeard. Graham Deighton and Julie Frater had purchased the White Hart as first-time pub buyers a year ago, but decided the trade was not for them and have returned to their previous profession. The new owners, Thomas Fuller and Catherine Cook, from nearby Swindon, are also newcomers to the pub trade ­ Fuller previously worked for the Allied Irish Bank and Cook worked in the NHS. They have brought with them experienced chef John Simpson, who is introducing a new à la carte menu using fresh local produce and traditional pub food. The Horse & Jockey is Grade-II Listed and dates back more than 400 years. Originally a "one up and one down" cottage tenement, the inn retains its ancient beams and chequered tile floor. Famous visitors to the Horse & Jockey include Jimmy Edwards when he played polo in Cirencester, Esther Rantzen and Roddy Llewelyn. The inn features a main bar, 30-cover dining area, skittle alley/function room within former stables, three-bedroom owner's accommodation, large gardens with outdoor seating and a large car park. Christie & Co sold the White Hart off an asking price of £80,000 for the leasehold interest, and is seeking £78,000 for the leasehold interest in the Horse & Jockey.

Related topics Property law

Property of the week

Follow us

Pub Trade Guides

View more