There’s a smart new horse in Headcorn’s stable of pubs this week after a £200,000 revamp of The White Horse.

The hostelry on North Street has been spruced up inside and out and now has a new side entrance so that customers can enter away from the A274.

Richard Foy and Steven Manyweathers, who are the new business partners in the saddle, thanked villagers for their patience during the pub’s seven-week closure.

Mr Foy said: “The pub had become rather run down before we took over in November.

“Villagers were concerned for the pub’s future and have been very supportive throughout the work.”

The pair aim to refocus the pub as a community venue. Mr Foy said: “Our aim is to make the White Horse a place where the village can come together.”

The Victorian building’s traditional features such as quarry tiles and sash windows have been retained and two fireplaces uncovered and put back into working order.

A kitchen has been installed and the pub, which is owned by Star Pubs and Bars, part of the Heineken chain, will concentrate on freshly prepared food using local suppliers wherever possible.

But beer drinkers have not been forgotten. A modern cellar system has been installed and the pub is offering a choice of three cask ales.

A rotating Kent cask will always be on tap with Tonbridge Traditional Ale from Tonbridge Brewery leading the launch.

Mr Foy and Mr Manyweathers are looking to hold music nights, quizzes and start a darts team, but also want to hear what the locals would like.

Mr Foy said: “The White Horse is Headcorn’s pub and we’d welcome residents’ ideas about what they’d like to see here.”

They would also like to hear from anyone who knows the history of the pub. Its name was changed to from the Red Lion sometime in the 1850s.

Call 01622 890625.