A Newton Abbot pub is preparing for a day of celebrations, charity fundraising and entertainment as it officially launches its new-look venue this September.
The White Hart will mark the occasion on Friday, September 11, following a major transformation costing more than £250,000. Landlady Kate Atkinson is determined that the newly refurbished pub becomes a true community hub.
The launch day, beginning at midday, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Mayor, a balloon arch, scones with cream and jam, and a draw. The day will centre on raising awareness of Breast Cancer UK.
A local netball team will attempt to set a record in the pub garden, and the celebrations continue into the evening with a drag karaoke act at 6pm.
The event officially marks the White Hart’s new chapter after extensive work by Punch Pubs & Co, which has invested more than a quarter of a million pounds in transforming the venue. The pub is now part of Punch’s Unity Social business unit, which focuses on creating welcoming, community-focused pubs.
For Kate, who took over the White Hart last November, that philosophy fits perfectly with her own ambitions for the venue.
“It’s very different between when I took it on in November and now,” she said. “We’ve had an extensive refurb, and I’ve always wanted to have a community feel. That was kind of my drive.”
The refurbishment has seen the main bar refreshed, social seating areas improved, and a dedicated zone created for darts and pool. The pub has also had upgraded AV systems, while two outdoor drinking areas have been enhanced.
The changes are designed to make the White Hart suitable for everything from a quiet daytime visit to a busy weekend, with live sport and major sporting events also a key part of the offering.
Kate says the pub has already established itself as a popular weekend destination, but she wants to build its daytime trade and encourage a wider range of customers to use the venue.
“We’re packed out on Saturdays, which is great, but we want to try and develop the daytime trade as well,” she said.
The weekly programme will include pool and darts leagues, bingo, karaoke, entertainment, live sport, and the Great British Pub Quiz on Thursdays, which sees teams compete against other pubs across the country.
“There’s lots to offer,” Kate said. “We’ve got the pool table, darts, and there’s something for everyone.”
The pub is also placing an emphasis on value, with its “Pints for Peanuts” promotion currently offering Carlsberg for £2.20 a pint, while the most expensive pint on the bar is £4.45.
But for Kate, the biggest success is the relationship between the pub and its regulars.
“Our regulars are our bread and butter,” she said. “We’ve got a great relationship with our locals.”
She says that sense of familiarity is important, with many customers known to her by name and the pub becoming part of their wider lives.
The White Hart is also working to ensure customers feel safe, particularly during its busy Friday and Saturday nights, with door staff focusing on de-escalation.
“I’ve had some amazing compliments over the last little while,” Kate said. “One of the best has been that people come in and say they feel really safe.”
White Hart Landlady Aims to Make Newton Abbot Pub a Community Hub