Hospitality group Heartwood Collection to give Lymington’s White Hart pub a multimillion-pound makeover

A LEADING hospitality group has taken over Lymington’s White Hart pub with plans to give it a multimillion-pound makeover.

Heartwood Collection, which is backed by Alchemy Partners, acquired the pub which suddenly shut in April last year.

At the time it was owned by the Stonegate Group which reportedly told staff it was their last day working on the date it shut.

In 2022 Lymington and Pennington Town Council applied to New Forest District Council to recognise the White Hart as an “asset of community value” but were unsuccessful.

On hearing that the pub is now set to reopen Lymington mayor Jack Davies said: “This is brilliant news. The White Hart has so much potential and a new makeover by Heartwood Inns will help it achieve that.

“Most importantly, the people of Lymington and Pennington can continue to enjoy one of our town’s most historic pubs for many years to come.”

Built in the late 1700s, The White Hart is a Grade II listed building. Heartwood said it will be refurbished but its “many historical features including its part-tiled exterior and beamed interior” will be preserved.

The company said the “sympathetic renovations will infuse the pub with Heartwood’s signature warm, quirky style to create a welcoming bar, dining room and beautiful outdoor space for dining”.

Customers can expect to enjoy “Heartwood’s seasonally changing menu which is developed in line with the Group’s ethos for delivering sustainable, fresh food.”

The company added that this “sits neatly alongside a carefully selected wine list, cask ales, beers and cocktails”.

Heartwood boasts that it has the “highest possible rating” from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and also won Best Food-Led Pub Group 2023 at the Restaurant Magazine’s Awards.

Richard Ferrier, CEO of Heartwood Collection, said: “The White Hart is a beautiful pub that is clearly much loved by the local community in what is a fantastic location.

“We’re looking forward to restoring this pub and returning it to its former glory.

“We have long wanted to open in or close to Lymington and are delighted to have found the White Hart.”