Second Kent pub for family duo
Dan and Simon Barton have taken on the White Horse in Sundridge, their first site with Star Pubs & Bars.
The pair hope to build an estate of 10 gastropubs under the trading name of the Liquor Box and Pantry.
A joint £150,000 refurbishment will take place in October, updating country-style features such as fireplaces, wood panelling and exposed brick walls.
Redecorations to the exterior of the pub will include new signage and seating for 100 people.
About 25 jobs will be created by the reopening of the White Horse, which has been closed for a couple of months.
The Royal Oak in New Ash Green was the first pub taken on by the company, which also puts on hog roasts, street food stalls and pop-up bars at food events and at private functions.
The drinks menu will include local craft beer and real ales, a menu of up to 15 gins, and a broad range of wines, premium lagers and ciders.
A food offer will be mainly sourced from local suppliers, including meat and fresh fish.
Dishes recreated
Dishes popular at the Royal Oak, such as Korean fried chicken wings; Chart Farm Venison steak, local blackberry & port sauce with Dauphinoise potatoes; and pan-roasted Atlantic skate with samphire lemon butter; will be served at the White Horse.
Dan 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.”
His father, Simon, 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.”
Real passion
Dugald Macer, Star Pubs & Bars operations director, said Simon and Dan were a great team.
He continued: “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.”
