Broadwindsor pub reopening TONIGHT as community venture
The White Lion is back!
After months of negotiations, the White Lion at Broadwindsor will reopen as a community pub tonight (Friday 29th April).
There's been a huge public fundraising campaign and weeks of hard work by volunteers to get the venue ready to serve again.
Rick Dyke, chairman of the White Lion Management Committee, said:
"I’d like to thank the many volunteers who have so freely given their time to help with the refurbishment, some of whom have been almost living in the pub in recent months. They know who they are!
"I am sure everyone who visits The White Lion will agree that the transformation has been remarkable. I’d also like to thank all the committee members who have given so much of their time, knowledge and experience in delivering this project."
Around £50,000 was raised to secure the pub and pay for refurbishments.
That was raised through public donations, grants, funding from the parish council, a contribution from previous owners Palmers Brewery and events, including a band night and two themed food evenings.
A pop-up bar in the village hall has been running since October and raised nearly £10,000.
Manager Kate Staff, whose parents live locally, will be running the pub with her daughters, Chloe and Louise. She said:
"It’s lovely to be a part of this amazing project. We’re really looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming customers back into the pub.
"We want The White Lion to be the kind of place where people can meet up with family and friends or feel comfortable to come in on their own. The White Lion has played a central role in village life over the years so long may that continue."
We're told the White Lion aims to be 'modestly profitable but not for private profit', eventually offering food and drink with an emphasis on local produce, once a kitchen is installed.
The pub will be open from Tuesday to Friday, from 6.00pm until 11.00pm, and on Saturdays from 11.00am - 11.00pm and Sundays from 12noon to 10.30pm.