Locals turn out in numbers for ‘Save Our White Horse’ pub event
Campaign organisers were delighted by the response to Kimpton’s second ‘White Horse Pop-Up Pub’ event, held on the evening of Friday 31 March in the village’s Dacre Rooms, where visitors turned out in their numbers.
With beer supplied by The 3 Brewers of St Albans, the ‘Pop-Up Pub’ proved to be an inspiring community occasion, featuring live acoustic music from local musicians, a book signing by a local author and a visit from representatives of The Railway Arms community owned-pub in Saffron Walden.
The Railway Arms has been thriving under community ownership for several years and its successful campaign has some striking parallels with that currently being conducted by the White Horse. Commenting further, Campaign Chair Ian Neilson said:
“It was great to get their feedback, advice and insight on how we might replicate their success at The White Horse. After seeing our community in action last night they share our optimism for the White Horse as a community owned pub.”
Discussing the success of this second Pop-Up Pub evening, campaign member Cherry Maslen said:
“We’re very grateful to all who helped make this night such a resounding success. The event was buzzing and our visitors almost drank us dry. This response indicates what huge local support our campaign is continuing to attract.”
NOTES FOR EDITORS
* The White Horse was sold by McMullen’s brewery in 2014, and since then has had two change-of-use planning applications for residential use rejected. The most recent of these, in 2021, was soundly rejected without going to planning committee.
* The Railway Arms in Saffron Walden was closed in 2017 and under threat of change to residential use. Thanks to the efforts of a local campaign group, it is now a thriving community-owned pub.
* Click to receive regular news updates from the Save Our White Horse campaign.