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From the
https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com 28 August, 2018.
Kent duo add White Horse, Sundridge to their portfolio.
White Horse, Sundridge. Father and son take over the running of
the pub, Simon Barton (father) and Dan Barton (son).
Father and son, Simon and Dan Barton, have taken on their first
Star Pubs & Bars site, the White Horse in Sundridge. It is the
second in what they intend will become a portfolio of 10 top quality
Kent based gastro pubs, trading as the Liquor Box and Pantry Ltd.
Attracted by the pub’s potential and the absence of a similar
individual gastro pub in the immediate vicinity, the duo plans to
repeat the success they’ve achieved at their other pub, the Royal
Oak in New Ash Green, where they won a best turnaround pub award at
the start of the year.
They’ve reopened The White Horse, which had been closed for a couple
of months. In October, a joint £150k refurbishment is scheduled with
Star Pubs & Bars, bringing the pub into the 21st century, creating a
modern country style pub. Features like fireplaces, wood panelling
and exposed brick walls will be restored and retained with the rest
of the interior redecorated and upgraded in warm earthy tones,
softening the pub’s overall appearance. Painted beams will brighten
rooms whilst deep buttoned chairs and benches will enhance customer
comfort. Outside the pub will be completely redecorated, including
having new signage and lighting and seating for 100 drinkers and
diners. A new permanent barbecue area is also being installed.
Simon and Dan’s plans for the pub include introducing craft beer and
real ales from the Kent area, a menu of up to 15 gins as well as an
extensive wine list and premium lagers and ciders.
Wherever possible, they are sourcing ingredients from the locality
supporting local businesses and giving customers great quality fresh
food. Meat is supplied by nearby Chart Farm and fresh fish delivered
daily from Griggs of Hythe. There are dishes for all tastes and
affordability, from for a classic sausage n mash to a Tomahawk steak
to share. Typical dishes will include: the pub’s very popular KFC…Kickin’
Korean fried chicken wings with sesame seeds & spring onion; Slow
roasted fennel & Cardamom pork Belly with cider, sourcream, tarragon
& chestnut mushroom sauce and colcacannon; Pan roasted Atlantic
skate, samphire lemon butter, Lilliput capers and Baby Potatoes and
Chart Farm Venison steak, local blackberry & port sauce with
dauphinoise potato.
Simon and Dan will be creating 25 new jobs at the White Horse,
similar to what they created at their first pub.
Both started out as chefs and between them they have a total of 50
years managing businesses from fine dining, country destination to
High Street pubs.
As well as their two pubs, their company, Liquor Box and Pantry
Ltd., puts on hog roasts, street food stalls and pop-up bars at food
events and at private functions.
Dan Barton said: “Our approach is to create a family friendly ‘real’
English pub that is the beating heart of the community. We’re
passionate about providing the very best in hospitality from the
quality of food and drink to the product knowledge of the staff.”
Simon Barton added: “Having worked for others for many years, three
years ago Dan and I decided it was time to team up and work for
ourselves. It’s been fantastic. We complement each other. It’s also
been great working with Star Pubs & Bars. The professionalism shown
throughout has been superb, making the transition into the pub and
the reopening smooth and problem free. We look forward to working
with them at the White Horse and in the future helping to grow our
estate.”
Dugald Macer, Star Pubs & Bars operations director said: “Simon and
Dan are a great team. They’ve got lots of experience and a real
passion for what they do. Their approach and the plans for the White
Horse, will result in a fantastic pub for the local community and
wider area. We wish them every success and look forward to working
with them to help them realise their dream.” |
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