Award-winning hospitality group Heartwood Collection has acquired the Potters Heron hotel in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire, from Pebble Hotels.
The acquisition will see the 56 bedroom site undergo an extended closure to facilitate a sympathetic multi-million-pound refurbishment that will create a further four bedrooms, 258 internal covers and 96 external seats.
The bar, dining and terrace areas are all set to be renovated in line with Heartwood’s signature style.
Landmark building
In addition, the garden will also be landscaped to create intimate areas where guests will be able to enjoy the seasonally changing menu and carefully curated drinks list.
The Potters Heron marks Heartwood’s eighth pub with rooms, joining the Ropemaker, and the group’s second rooms site in Hampshire. It will take Heartwood’s total room offering to more than 250 when it reopens in Spring 2026.
The Potters Heron dates back to 1937 and is a “landmark building” with a thatched roof, Heartwood said.
Known as the birthplace of Thomas the Tank Engine author Wilbert Awdry, Chandler’s Cross is located in the picturesque Test Valley and is a short journey from the New Forest and the South Downs National Park.
Heartwood Collection CEO Richard Ferrier said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Potters Heron, close to Chandler’s Cross, a much loved pub with rooms.
Something special
“We intend to invest fully in the property over the next eight months with the aim of creating something truly special that stands the test of time.”
Last month, Heartwood welcomed customers back through the doors at its sixth pub with rooms, the Ragged Robin in Godalming, Surrey, after investing six figures into the site, formally known as the Manor Inn.
Additionally, the group opened its 30th pub in May, the White Hart in Lymington, Hampshire.
In its latest results, Heartwood reported a 12.6% increase in revenue to £67.9m for the year ended 30 June 2024, with site EBITDA rising to £11.7m and like-for-like sales growing by 3%.
