Bookings and inquiries are already coming in for the well-known but long-closed premises in Brigg town centre, whose refurbishment is on course for completion in late September.
Brigg Blog has now enjoyed a guided tour of the 18th century grade two listed White Hart in the town centre - courtesy of the businessmen directing its extensive revamp.
North Lincolnshire Council granted planning permission and listed building consent in summer 2021 to permit the erection of a two-storey extension, partial change of use to add self-catering accommodation in addition to the public house, and demolition of part of a building to the rear (added in the early 1980s).
Work has now been progressing for many months - generating considerable interest among passers-by.
The bar has not only been retained, in line with the planning approval, but the area available for socialising has been extended considerably.
There will be a dart board, a pool table and facilities available for discos and live music, as required.
It will not operate as a public bar open to people wishing to pop in for a pint or two.
But locals will be able to use the White Hart while attending a range of functions including birthday parties, family celebrations and wedding receptions which have been booked at the venue.
Although it won’t be a traditional pub, in addition to private hire they are intending to do ‘pop up’ events for local breweries to take over throughout the year so that everyone can enjoy the pub without competing against the great local pubs we already have.
A licensing application is to be made so the venue can host wedding ceremonies.
The premises can also be hired for conferences and other business-related events.
Many bookings will come from groups of people wishing to visit Brigg and stay in the White Hart's newly-created, lavish and fully-furnished bedrooms. Most will be en suite, with the older rooms above the original pub (nearest to Bridge Street) having bathrooms provided.
A large fully-fitted kitchen with cookers, dishwashers and washing/drying machines is now being kitted out in an extension added to to rear of the premises; this also includes the new toilet block area (replacing the structure added about 40 years ago).
On-site car parking has been retained - access being gained through the familiar archway off Bridge Street.
Graham Wilson, from Horkstow, whose refurb of a row of shops on Wrawby Street
won a Brigg Town Council Civic Building Award for 2018, is now leading the White Hart project with James Lockwood, from Grimsby.
The sizeable beer garden - overlooking the Old River Ancholme - has been retained and will be given a make-over.
Graham told Brigg Blog that an "air B&B concept" was being made available for up to 40 people to stay overnight with the option for a further 60 to join in with any celebrations.
By arrangement, they will be able to enjoy exclusive use of what will become their own bar... in their own pub throughout their stay.
"We have several bookings already, he revealed. "And four of these five are local and relate to weddings; the great attraction is by taking donations from family & friends staying in the rooms, this nearly pays for the venue hire."
Companies from northern Lincolnshire have been involved in the refurb and this will continue until the project's completion.
Local businesses including AF Carpets will also benefit as fixtures, fittings and furnishings are installed over the coming months.
The all-important social media and online marketing will also be handled in Brigg by Knapton Wright.
Among welcome additions prior to the opening will be wall-hung archive pictures featuring Brigg street scenes, various historic hostelries and businesses many local folk will remember.
They will include the A. M. & E. Sergeant Brewery which was located on the riverside behind the White Hart.
Sergeant's, which owned and operated the pub, was established in 1837, using water drawn from a spring at Castlethorpe, and continued until 1967, by which time it had been acquired by a national concern.
Sergeant's Dolphin Ale famously won first prize at the national Brewers' Exhibition, held annually in London.
As visitors from far and wide will be 'self-catering' at the White Hart, promotion will be aimed at local independent businesses which will enjoy trade as guests stock up with provisions for their stay.
Initially, one job is being created for a housekeeper/supervisor, whose duties will include overseeing enquiries and changeovers including cleaning and the provision of fresh bed linen.
AF Carpets, whose Ancholme Way premises are located near the White Hart, have been very helpful in permitting access across their car park during the refurbishment.
It was a nostalgic return to the White Hart for Brigg Blog. More than 40 years ago, as a reporter, we penned many stories for the Brigg-based Lincolnshire & South Humberside Times newspaper as local builder & businessman Ray Neall refurbished the long-closed hostelry and eventually reopened it with his wife, Norma.
When the first rooms are completed over the coming weeks, Brigg Blog has been invited back to take more pictures for a future post and update.
Meanwhile, those interested in booking the White Hart for stays or functions and would like a preview tour can contact the venue by emailing graham@whitevenues.co.uk
Visit The White Hart Facebook page to find out more about the project...
Some of the pictures seen here were taken by the White Hart developers; others by Brigg Blog during our recent tour.
The pictures below show the project progressing over recent months.
