Village pub licensees mark 40th anniversary

Barry and Jane Waterman run the White Horse in Beyton, Suffolk, which is a Greene King Pub Partners site, and have done since 1984.

The duo have operated pubs in partnership with Greene King for longer though – 47 years, after starting out in their first pub in Cambridge in 1977. This has made them one of Greene King’s longest serving tenants.

Barry and Jane are known for their real ale expertise that has seen them win awards from the Campaign for Real Ale and they remain the longest serving publicans in the West Suffolk and Borders branch.

The pub prides itself on being dog friendly, family friendly and a community first local and it has recently added a range of vegan dishes to its menu, reflecting the consumer trend of meat alternative options.

Community focus

Furthermore, one of the Suffolk pub’s most unique features is a 60ft well, which starts at the bar and goes to an underground stream.

On their time, Barry and Jane said: “We are so flattered to receive this plaque in recognition of our 40 years at the White Horse.

“Serving the local community has always been at the very core of how we run our businesses and adapting the needs of the community over the past 40 years has been key to our success.

“We’d like to thank all our customers and staff over the years – along with Greene King – for all their support.”

In recognition of the pair’s time at the pub, Greene King Pub Partners managing director Dan Robinson, operations director Phil Arnold and business development manager Sam Wortley presented them with a specially made plaque.

Absolute privilege

Robinson added: “It is an absolute privilege to recognise Barry and Jane. Some 40 years of running the White Horse and 48 years of running pubs in partnership with Greene King is outstanding.”

“I am proud to call them our partners and look forward to many more years of success together – serving the people of Beyton.”

Last month (March), Greene King Pub Partners welcomed customers to its first Nest Pub​. The Palmer Tavern​ in Reading, Berkshire was transformed following a £360,000 investment.

Nest Pubs is the second franchise concept​, with venues that are wet-led sites, largely on busy high streets and in communities, aiming to provide “great value, an excellent experience and regular sport and entertainment”.