A well-known Eden farming family are aiming to bring the buzz back to their community as they reopen the village pub following a major refurbishment.
The White Horse Inn, at Kings Meaburn, has been owned by the Addison family for many decades.
During the past 12 months it has undergone a stunning revamp, both inside and out, including two new luxury king size en suite guest bedrooms.
An informal, pop-up soft opening tomorrow, billed as a summer celebration, is an opportunity for villagers, holidaymakers and White Horse devotees to enjoy live entertainment, sample some refreshing glasses of wine and beer and delicious street van pizzas, while seeing the new-look venture.
“It’s looking absolutely fantastic,” said Chris and Caroline’s son, Will, a professional rugby union player who has flown back to provide bar service at tomorrow’s event.
“The pub really is the hub of our Kings Meaburn community so for it to have been closed for 12 months has been hard for the village.
“We’re really looking forward to having it up and running, welcoming thirsty villagers in this glorious midsummer weather. We want to get a bit of a buzz back in the village, show off the good work by mum and dad and a whole team of local talent.
The beautiful new Paddock is a stunning outdoor eating area created by Will’s uncle and Kings Meaburn’s resident garden designer Martin Adams — known on Instagram as The Grumpy Gardener.
Martin worked along with Keith Golding, assisted by son Toby and Freddie Shepherd, who also built covered loose boxes. Stone walls were returned to glory by Ben Jackson Stonework — villager Ben Jackson and his team of Ollie Jackson, Tom Jackson and Peter Johnston.
Transformation of the conservation building was led by Colin Alderson and Paul Thompson, of A&T Developments, who believe they qualify as honorary villagers having worked on so many Kings Meaburn projects in recent years, including Longacre Barn and Burwain Hall; working closely with Carl Chapman Plumbing, CBS Electricals and Beacon Fire Protection.
Stephen Dudson, of John Richardson Penrith, donated thermal floor insulation for under the new pub floor, while other flooring is from Jose Faustino, of JF Flooring, Appleby. Master tiler Sean Jones, of Shap, worked his magic in the bathrooms.
The creative flair and energy of local artist Tim Watson was hugely appreciated as was the expertise of Jane Hawkins Designs whose beautiful blinds hang throughout. Both Tim and Jane have a long association with the White Horse through friends and family. The White Horse Inn at Kings Meaburn Instagram images were provided by Jo Crompton Photography.
Will added: “All the work has been done on a very tight budget, recycling everything that could possibly be recycled and all that is needed now is a great new tenant to take this beautiful village inn forward. Hopefully prospective tenants can also see what a great local audience we have.
“Come and join in the fun tomorrow from 6pm.”
