March update
Above: Huge thanks to our volunteers last weekend for getting down and dirty! It’s been mucky work stripping the walls in the main bar to dry them out and prep for redecorating.
It’s been exciting to watch the renovation work on the pub progressing so well. It’s the first of many steps in bringing the building back into use as a fully functioning community pub, and with your support the village will be seeing more refurbishment activity in the coming months.
At the time of writing we've had several tenancy applications and are in the process of shortlisting and interviewing. In terms of the building work we’re instigating a staged approach, the first of which is to provide the basics of a functional pub that will allow the tenants to reopen as soon as practically possible. Along with the repairs already completed, these works are currently planned to include replacing the front ground floor window and the surrounding plasterwork, updating aspects of the kitchen, temporarily resiting the cellar and refurbishing a selection of upper floor rooms.
Work so far has been funded primarily by proceeds from the pop-up pub/cafe in 2023 (thank you!). We’re currently submitting applications for a number of grant funds that could help part-fund the upcoming phases, and we'll be sharing more details as soon as possible, including potentially reopening the share offer.
When exactly will the pub reopen?
Firstly, thank you to everyone who has provided valuable advice and support to get us to this stage. With an old building like The White Horse there are hidden challenges around every corner, but we are tentatively looking at an initial reopening period around or before the May Bank Holiday this year. In any event we are looking forward to the building being a venue to showcase local artistic talent during Oxfordshire Artweeks in April/May.
Once again we extend our grateful thanks to you all, with a special mention to Nicky Holland for organising the recent fundraiser. We can’t wait to open the doors again and welcome you into YOUR pub.