The White Horse Inn in Whitwell, said to be the Isle of Wight’s oldest pub and quite possibly one of the oldest in the country, has closed its doors but is set to be taken over by new owners from February.
Rachel Sharp and Alison Wills took over the running of the pub after its sudden closure back in January 2015. However, the pair have decided to call time on their tenure as their 7-year lease expires.
The rural establishment, which was first built in 1454, will undergo refurbishment over the next 2 months until the new management team takes over in February.
Throughout Rachel’s and Alison’s time at the pub they have been a staple of the village, hosting a number of annual Bonfire Nights, as well as popular Christmas and New Year’s Eve events. They have also played host to hundreds of private functions and made The White Horse the go-to place for families seeking quality pub food.
Locals are sad to see Rachel and Alison leave the cosy inn, however, are waiting to see what fresh ideas the new landlords may offer to the village of Whitwell.
The White Horse Inn closed its doors for the last time on Christmas Day.
The Island Echo team, several of whom have dined at the village pub frequently over the years, wish Rachel and Alison all the very best with their future and wish the new owners the best of luck, opening a pub in such uncertain times.
