Northwest pub and restaurant operator, Yogesh (Yogi) Mistry has taken on a Star Pubs & Bars lease for the White Horse in Edgworth, Lancashire and is undertaking a joint £485,000 refurbishment of the village pub.

Closed since early 2019, the White Horse will reopen February as a standout destination food pub for families, cyclists and dog walkers wanting teas, coffees and lunch during the day and a great village local for residents wanting somewhere to socialise and eat in the evening. 12 jobs are being created on the back of the refurbishment.

The White Horse is Yogi’s third pub, his other two sites being The Crofters and The Stanley Arms in Bolton. He also has an Italian restaurant – Beppe’s – and Nam Ploy Thai restaurant which is now located at the UK’s biggest and best retail park, Middlebrook in Bolton.

Says Yogi: “I am delighted to have taken on The White Horse. I have had my eyes on it for some time as I could see its potential as a good village local and great destination pub. Edgworth is an affluent area attracting walkers and cyclists and the pub had attracted significant interest.

“I intend to take on further sites in the northwest. There are some great opportunities arising on the back of the pandemic. However, having chefs and staff are key to successful expansion. It doesn’t matter how big you are. If you haven’t got a team behind you, you can’t open, as the current trading environment has demonstrated. Our team are our priority which means we’re in a strong position to grow the business.

“As well as staff retention, and high service standards, I am passionate about establishing close ties with and supporting local businesses and community groups. We’ve done it at our three other sites and sponsor two local cricket clubs.”

Funds are being spent reconfiguring the interior to create dining and lounge areas seating 98 with feature seating booths, ideal for families and those wanting a quieter environment, as well as a lively bar area, retaining the pub’s local charm. The look and feel will be modern country with roaring fires, low ceilings and exposed stone adding character and creating a warm and welcoming ambience. Outside there will be new seating for 60 for alfresco eating and drinking.

Food will be a major attraction at the pub, whose head chef, Jack Brooks has worked at a number of prestigious London venues including Whites Private Members Club.

The menu will include British pub classics using locally sourced, fresh quality ingredients. And at weekends there will be brunches and Sunday lunch. Typical dishes will include: Pan fried mushrooms with shallots, poached egg, truffle oil, grilled sourdough for starters and Crispy and tender Pork belly, squash and cumin puree, glazed roasted squash, dauphinoise, red wine gravy for mains.

The drinks will include a choice of cask ales, extensive wines from a great house wines to premium wines and champagnes, cocktail and gin menus and a selection of whiskies and brandies.

Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, Tracy Duncan says: “We’re delighted Yogi is taking on The White Horse and with our investment will breathe new life into this much-loved village pub. It’s a fantastic location and just needed the right operator to take it forward. Yogi has been in the business for over 20 years and has a great track record of running hospitality businesses with a good team supporting him. I wish Yogi and his team well and Edgworth residents many happy days ahead socialising at The White Horse.”

The refurbishment at The White Horse is part of a £38m investment that Star Pubs & Bars is making in more than 700 pubs in 2021.