Abingdon Greene King pub’s major works almost complete

Contractors have been working at The White Horse on the corner of Spring Road and Ock Street, and the pub is expected to reopen at noon on Thursday, May 7.

The pub shut on April 4 so that work could get under way.

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Kitty and Sean, the new managers, said they “can’t wait” to welcome patrons to the White Horse.

The White Horse in Abingdon (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The landlords said in a joint statement: “We’re really looking forward to becoming part of this amazing community, getting to know you all, and making the pub a warm, welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.

“Please do pop in after the refurb, say hello, and join us for a drink—we can’t wait to meet you.”

The White Horse in Abingdon (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The renovation is expected to include a comprehensive remodelling, including a colour touch-up ‘all over’ the pub, a newly decorated back bar, a ‘face-lift’ for the toilets, a new darts and bar area. and a redesign for the beer garden.

Staff could be seen working on the renovation outside the pub earlier today.

Before the Greene King pub shut a notice to customers said: “We’ll miss you. From Doreen and the team at The White Horse, we would like to say a big thank you for everything over the last three years.”

The White Horse in Abingdon (Image: Andy Ffrench)

Greene King had been advertising for a new team to take over the management of the pub.

It said in an advert at the end of last year: “Pub managers of Oxfordshire, looking to run your own show?

“The White Horse, Abingdon is becoming a Hive franchise pub.

“We’re looking for someone to front the business, who is community minded, passionate about great hospitality and who can keep the guests coming back for more.

“A Hive Pub franchise offers you: the chance to be your own boss, and lower operational costs than a tenancy model.

“As a franchisee, Greene King will offer you: a comprehensive induction programme, a fully refurbished pub, that’s ready to trade, we’ll even cover most of the operational costs.”

The White Horse in Abingdon (Image: Andy Ffrench)

The White Horse was previously run by the town’s Morland brewery which closed in 2000.

The White Horse has been popular for dining, with reasonably priced pub food including fish and chips, and for its big screens which feature sports including Premier League football matches.

The Oxford branch of real ale group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) said the pub building was Grade II listed.

It added: “Originally owned by the Borough of Abingdon, the White Horse dates back to 1845 and had a number of tenants who were coal merchants and publicans before the Morland family ownership.

“In 1999, Greene King became the new owners and extended this Grade II listed building to provide dining facilities.

“This traditional English pub has a beer garden in front and its own car park.”