White Horse Inn: Slight delays and still lots to do!

So what's been happening since our last update?

Firstly, we should apologise for the delay in updates for the last few weeks - we've now both finished work and are working full-time on getting the pub ready for opening in a few weeks' time, so things, as you can well imagine, are rather hectic!

Our new planned opening date is the beginning of September, so watch this space or check out our website at www.whitehorseseagrave.co.uk for more updates and information.

The renovations are continuing at a rapid pace, with the cellar being stripped and repainted, the main bar almost finished with most of the lighting put up, the outside of the pub all done and the residential area upstairs almost fully plumbed and painted.

The new floor in the main bedroom/ceiling in the downstairs lounge is still up (!), the upstairs kitchen and bathroom are half finished and carpets should start to go down at the end of this week, along with the curtains shortly afterwards - then we can start moving in!

We've also been busy taking care of the commercial kitchen by preparing the walls, floor and ceiling as required as well as making one or two surprise findings behind the bar: a lot of damp asphalt and maybe even a toad or two! Needless to say, everyone who is willing to help has been called on (and even one or two who were a little reluctant to start with!), which has really helped us get things moving.

Outside, the grass is being tended to on an ongoing basis, the fence which divides the garden and car park is in the process of being "re-posted" and then painted and the flowerbeds and surrounding areas are being tended to by a couple of very green fingered ladies!

Another big thing we've been working on is the new sign for the pub as well as designs for our food menu and wine list, fliers, comments cards and anything else we think we might need.

We've been quite lucky in that we have a friend who is a graphic designer, who is prepared to do some work for us in return for a couple of pints when we open! Unfortunately, the first incarnation of the pub sign, produced by a rogue sign writer, had part of the logo missing and was red rather than green (!), however a few short, sharp words to the company who were making it for us soon sorted that out!

Our wine list has now been decided on (having replaced a rather too oaky Australian Chardonnay and a slightly dodgy top-end red!), as has our rough food menu.

We're planning on a wet launch to start with, then introducing rolls and smaller snacks before progressing to a full menu a few weeks after the initial opening. Reasons for this approach include the fact the commercial kitchen will not be fully ready for launch and the fact we are first-time publicans and so want to be able to give the best possible impression when we open the doors to the first customers.

Hopefully this entry to our blog has given you an insight into what we've been up to over the last few weeks and an idea of what's to come.

Watch this space for the next update, coming soon!