Compton pub owner takes on The White Hart, Hampstead Norreys

A village pub has made a long-awaited return.

The landlord behind The Swan at Compton has set his sights to reviving another ailing village pub in Hampstead Norreys.

Kenny Shaw – who took over The Swan last April – reopened The White Hart at Christmas.

The pub has struggled to stay open since its previous landlords departed in December 2022.

Mr Shaw, who has worked in the industry for 25 years, said: “We said to them [Greene King] we’ll be there for 12 weeks and if we can’t make it work, we’ll hand the keys back.

“But if we can make it work, we’ll sign a five-year deal.

“We’re going to see what happens really.”

Supporting him in this new venture is Compton chef Robert Wisbey, who previously worked under Mr Shaw when he was 16.

He said: “The plan is to refurbish the kitchen the best I can.

“Hopefully, we’re going to launch food there on January 19.”

Mr Wisbey added two other staff members from The Swan will also be joining him.

The pub will be trialling quiz nights and hosting Burns and Valentine’s nights to attract the community.

But the pub needs considerable work to restore it to its former glory, says Mr Shaw.

He is meeting with Greene King to discuss the pub’s leaking roof, and the fences in the car park have also blown down.

The White Hart is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4pm until 10pm, and on weekends from noon until 10pm.

It is shut on Mondays and Tuesdays.