The White Hart is on sale for £895k in Hamstead Marshall

The White Hart Inn is now listed as being for sale on the website of estate agents Colliers, following its recent closure.

The pub closed its doors on Monday, October 24, 2022, but said it hopes to reopen again for business by March.

But the country inn — which includes an adjoining garden, car park, nine letting bedrooms and the owner's three-bedroom flat — are now collectively on sale for £895,000.

Viewing days, by appointment with Colliers, will be held on Tuesday, January 24 and Friday, February 10.

"It's a great shame," said Paul Worsley, pubs officer for West Berkshire CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale). Mr Worsley explained how rising energy costs are forcing pubs to up their prices and how, despite the affluence present in Newbury and its surrounding areas, the situation confronting rural pubs is still under threat and not liable to improve in the near future.

Owner, Stella Coulthurst, produced the following statement for the Hamstead Hornet in December: "The decision about whether or not to re open The White Hart Inn in the New Year remains open and I am waiting to see how the economy fares in the next couple of months.

"In the meantime, I have decided to offer the pub for sale (both freehold and lease). The decision does not mean anything other than that, but if anyone has any questions, I am happy to chat, meet, have a coffee. Please feel free to email via the website or give me a call."

A notice on the pub's website reads: "The White Hart Inn is 'hibernating' this winter in the face of the current adverse economic conditions. We aim to be back in the spring when, we hope, things have settled down.

"So, while we can't take table reservations over the winter, we're now taking room bookings for March onwards."

Ms Coulthurst took over the pub in April 2011 and invested £720,000 in restoring the then derelict premises, which was ready to serve customers within three months.

She has been approached for comment by the Newbury Weekly News.