THE pub at which Winston Churchill ‘learnt to drink’ has undergone a rapid transformation in order to reopen.
The White House in Bladon has already had a rollercoaster of a year, with the local community pulling together to help save it.
Now, that same community has clubbed together to help it reopen.
After fears the pub would land in the hands of developers, a committee successfully had an offer accepted by Greene King in May of last year.
Read again: Pub where Churchill ‘learnt to drink’ saved by community
The pub then became officially owned by the community two months later.
Tenants were sought, with couple Johnny Roberts and Fran Clark moving in at the end of September.
With the help of the village, the duo has been able to welcome punters after two weeks of hard graft to get the pub in a position to reopen its outdoor area.
Miss Clark said: “When we were told we could open outside, our priority was to get that as nice as we could.
“The garden hadn’t been looked after so we had to sort that out and grow back the grass.
How the pub exterior looked before. Picture: The White House Facebook
Volunteers have helped get the outdoor seating area ready for reopening. Picture: The White House Facebook
“We essentially tore everything down one weekend and then the next weekend, we put it back up again.
“Volunteers have been helping and donating to make this possible, it’s turned out really lovely.
“It’s been so helpful having people support us and we’re so grateful for that support.”
The couple moved in at the end of September, ready for opening the pub in October, however lockdowns have meant the pub has seen little action since the pair arrived.
“Christmas was difficult as we had so many bookings in, but then the lockdown came,” said Miss Clark.
“It’s really nice to get back open though and hopefully if the weather picks up, people can start coming back to the pub.”
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The couple is well aware of the history behind the 17th century pub, but Miss Clark said this is something her fiancee, a former manager at The Four Candles in Oxford, relishes.
“Johnny knew quite a bit about the pub before we moved so he was excited to get involved,” she said.
“You have people coming in because of all the links to Churchill.
Sir Winston Churchill. Picture: PA Wire
“We’ve got all the pictures of him up and we’re embracing all the history that the pub has.
“The committee has been really supportive and is always checking in on us, asking if we’re okay.
“It’s more like talking to friends than anything, that’s what it feel like.”
The White House has become renown for being the pub where former Prime Minister Mr Churchill drank during his adolescent years.
The scheme was designed to help those struggling financially, self-isolating or shielding, with hot meals delivered to their door.
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