Hampshire country pub hosts launch party following £1m refurb

The Cart and Horses, in Kings Worthy, is officially back in business with a new team, look and menu after its £1m refurbishment.

The pub, in London Road, hosted an exclusive launch party, inviting local business leaders to sample the menu and enjoy live music in the renovated dining areas inside and in the garden.

Cart and Horses launch event (Image: Lana Suhova)

New manager, Ben Jones, has worked in the hospitality industry for a decade but this is his first time taking on a pub.

READ MORE: Hampshire country pub The Cart and Horses re-opens after £1m refurb

Manager Ben Jones (Image: Adele Bouchard)

Mr Jones, from Fair Oak, said: “It was a successful pub before but crafted pubs listen to their community and we found that there was a space for a renovated venue so we filled that gap.

“What we know is that in the UK pubs do really well. With the cost-of-living people might not be going out as much but we will be that place that people choose, especially as there’s a feeling of the home away from home. We’ve been pretty much booked up since opening.

“The reception has been so good and we get the genuine feeling that it was much needed in the area. I want to do everyone proud and it’s brilliant to be involved in something local.

“There’s been a fantastic response to the new menu, there’s not one like it around but at its heart it's still proper pub food of great quality.

SEE ALSO: City deli re-opens in new unit with bigger range and dine-in options

Daisy Harris-Reid, Guy Kremer and Emma Riddell (Image: Lana Suhova)

“We offer something for any kind of occasion whether that’s remote working, baby showers, graduations or family get-togethers. You get that feeling from a pub that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Around 60 jobs were created by the makeover, with a few of the original team who worked under the previous managers staying on.

At the launch, the pubs showcased its ‘Stix’ and sharing boards with pizzas, skewers and cheeseboards on offer as guests enjoyed the new covered seating areas outside.

Moving forward, the venue is also hosting ‘Soulful Sunday’ sessions with live music and special events and workshops with partners such as Chase Distillery.