Success for historic Stopham pub after re-opening

A landlord has spoken about the success of a historic Stopham pub three months after re-opening its doors to the public.
JPCT 311014 S14460113x The White Hart, Stopham -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141031-124416001JPCT 311014 S14460113x The White Hart, Stopham -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141031-124416001
JPCT 311014 S14460113x The White Hart, Stopham -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141031-124416001

The White Hart Pub at Stopham Bridge welcomed back customers again in November, for the first time since December 2013 after being closed for almost a year due to severe flooding.

Martyn Brand and his wife took over from the previous owners and decided to renovate the pub and said business has been excellent since they re-opened.

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Martyn said: “We have had a really good response and it is all working extremely well. I decided to buy the pub because it is a good pub and I know what it is capable of doing. I used to drink at the pub before it closed so I know a lot about it.”

The landlord however, is not new to the industry.

He has owned several pubs and clubs before and said he is now using that experience to make sure the White Hart continues to thrive.

“I am an old hand,” he said. “I was in the trade 28 years ago so I know what I am doing.

“I have owned pubs and nightclubs in Surrey so I am not new to all this. We get between 45 and 105 customers a day and even more at weekends so business is going well.”

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Martyn has made a few changes to the building since taking over. The inside of the pub has been completely refurbished and a new seating area has been added outside for customers to enjoy the country views. New members of staff have also been bought in which Martyn said has added something a little extra to the pub.

He said: “When we took it over we thought we would improve it. Everything has been changed from top to bottom and we have completely refurbished. We have three professional chefs in the kitchen so the food we are offering is good but is still at sensible prices,” he said.

“But it is important to know we are a pub that sells really good food, not a restaurant that servers drinks. Everyone is as welcome for a pint as they are a three course meal.”

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