Heartwood Collection buys White Hart pub at Pennington

The White Hart at Pennington was previously owned by the Stonegate Group but has now been bought by Heartwood Collection.

Bosses at the award-winning business are vowing to "return the pub to its former glory".

The White Hart closed suddenly in March 2023 amid reports that new tenants were being sought to run the premises.

The White Hart at Pennington is set to undergo a multi-million-pound upgrade after changing hands (Image: Newsquest.)

Posting on social media, a spokesperson said the actions of "local action groups" meant the pub was no longer viable.

They added: "I would like to thank those few who did support us and I wish the venue well for the future.

"All I can say to those individuals who caused issues is look what you have done. Watch the boards go up today and you will realise what has happened and the costs our company have incurred."

The Milford Road pub reopened but closed again at the start of this year.

A Facebook post published on January 4 said: "We are opening for one last time tomorrow from 4pm. All draught beer and lager (subject to stock) will be half price.

"This is intended to be an opportunity for locals to say farewell until after its intended sale and refurb.

"Please bear in mind we will be low on stock and running out of items... intentionally."

The Grade II-listed White Hart pub at Pennington was built in the late 1700s (Image: Supplied)

Built in the late 1700s, the White Hart is a Grade II-listed building located on the edge of the New Forest.

A Heartwood spokesperson said: "The pub will undergo a significant multi-million pound refurbishment to restore and preserve its many historical features.

"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.

"Guests will be able to enjoy Heartwood’s seasonally-changing menu which is developed in line with the Group’s ethos for delivering sustainable, fresh food.

"This sits neatly alongside a carefully selected wine list, cask ales, beers and cocktails."

Heartwood's chief executive, Richard Ferrier, added: "The White Hart is a beautiful pub that is clearly much loved by the local community and is in 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."

Heartwood has received the highest possible rating - three stars - from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and has also won several awards.