Edgworth: The White Horse pub to re-open after £500k makeover

Building work will start in late December on a £485,000 overhaul of The White Horse, Edgworth, by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars alongside Northwest pub and restaurant operator Yogesh 'Yogi' Mistry.

The investment aims to breathe new life into The White Horse - which has been closed since early 2019 - with hopes of it becoming 'a standout destination food pub for families, cyclists and dog walkers wanting teas, coffees and lunch during the day, and for residents wanting somewhere to socialise and eat in the evening'.

A total of 12 jobs will be created on the back of the refurbishment.

Funds are being spent on reconfiguring the interior to create dining and lounge areas seating 98, with feature seating booths ideal for families and those seeking 'a quieter environment', as well as a 'lively' bar area.

REFURB: The White Horse has been closed since early 2019

The look and feel will be 'modern country' with roaring fires, low ceilings and exposed stone - adding character and creating a warm and welcoming ambience.

Outside, there will be new seating for 60 for alfresco eating and drinking.

Food is said to be the focus at the new-look establishment with the appointment of head chef Jack Brooks, who has worked at a number of prestigious locations in central London including Whites Private Members Club, London, where he cooked for politicians, celebrities and royalty.

The menu will include British pub classics using locally sourced, fresh ingredients.

At weekends there will be brunches and a Sunday lunch on offer, alongside staple starters such as pan fried black pudding, Lancashire cheese, crispy leeks and wholegrain mustard sauce, pan fried mushrooms with shallots, poached egg, truffle oil and grilled sourdough.

Mains include The White Horse Burger, a 6oz beef patty, brioche bun, fried egg, crispy bacon, chopped pickles/onions, Swiss cheese, burger sauce and skin on fries.

There will also be crispy and tender pork belly, squash and cumin puree, glazed roasted squash, dauphinoise potatoes and red wine gravy for mains.

Plans for the pub include holding whisky and wine tasting evenings, as well as a regular pub quiz and screening of major sporting events.

Mr Mistry said: "I am passionate about establishing close ties with and supporting local businesses and community groups. We’ve done it at our three other sites and sponsor two local cricket clubs.

"We will have an experienced team running The White Horse who know the area well including Amy Taylor, our manageress, who has worked with me for the last 10 years and Jack our head chef - both of whom live locally.

"I have had my eye on The White Horse for some time and so can’t wait to open the doors and give local residents a warm welcome.

"I know it has been a while since they’ve had their village pub open, but I promise it will have been worth the wait."

A spokesperson for Star Pubs & Bars said: "We’re delighted Yogi is taking on The White Horse and with our investment will breathe new life into this much-loved village pub.

"It has been sad to see it closed these last couple of years, but finding the right licensee is key to its success.

"Yogi has a great track record of running hospitality businesses with a good team supporting him. He currently has a Thai restaurant, an Italian restaurant and two popular locals.

"I wish Yogi and his team well and Edgworth residents many happy days ahead socialising at The White Horse."

The refurbishment at The White Horse is part of a £38m investment that Star Pubs & Bars is making in more than 700 pubs in 2021.