It’s been a while since I have sent out an update on progress at the The White House, so I would like to highlight some of the upcoming activities at the pub, as well as give you an update on what the BCBS committee have been planning for the future.
Ben and the team have had a busy summer period, and have been able to attract new members of staff to join the front of house team. Along with the regular weekly activities, there is now a monthly music quiz, and we have had Aunt Sally teams playing on both Wednesday and Thursday evenings during the summer. This is a great boost to trade, and marks the return of the White House as a “proper” Oxfordshire pub!
On Sunday 27th August there will be a Summer Party hosted at the pub, with an all day BBQ, live music, a disco and Karaoke. Games, including Aunt Sally and boules, will be hosted at the pub and recreation ground respectively. It would be great to see a good turn out from the village to enjoy some late summer fun. Our gratitude goes to Nicky Rogan for spearheading the organisation of this party.
The committee has been active in prioritising various projects to maintain and improve the quality of the building and its facilities. The rendering to the new extensions at the front and rear of the building has been completed, and have really helped to integrate them into the existing structures. The improvements planned to the barrel store at the front of the pub should help to further improve the visual impact. A major capital project has been approved to replace all the windows in the pub with new, energy efficient frames and glass. These are designed to be sympathetic to the age and design of the pub, and will create an improved visual impact whilst improving heat retention in the winter.
Further improvements are planned to the commercial kitchen where a new hot water system and wall coverings are required. As a committee we strongly believe that continued investment in the pub infrastructure will create a better environment for customers and the staff, whilst also helping to protect the value of our investment.
The pub garden has been an attractive asset for the pub during the warmer months. The committee members are keen to ensure that the current high standard of this area is maintained, and so will be organising working parties in the early autumn to complete some repairs and further enhance the outside area. Please keep a look out for notices about this, as many hands make lighter work!
In the meantime, please enjoy what is left of the summer, and I hope as many of you as possible can get a chance to visit the pub in the coming weeks and months.