Billericay pub bosses reassures locals after brewery lists it for sale

The White Horse pub, in Ramsden Heath, Billericay, has been listed on the market for £1.38 million.

The popular venue is under the ownership of Stonegate, who are reportedly planning to offload around one fifth of its pubs.

Entrepreneur and well-known pub owner in the industry, Steve Haslam, owns the lease at the pub, currently up until 2039.

Despite the brewery listing the pub for sale, he has confirmed it will still be business as usual as the lease will continue to stand.

Steve Haslam at the Bread and Cheese pub (Image: Newsquest)

He told the Echo: "It doesn't affect us, as we are the leaseholders, and our lease stands for many years.

"It is business as usual, and this is probably just one of many that they will sell over the next couple of years.

Open - The White Horse pub (Image: Newsquest)

"But, we will continue operating as usual."

The White Horse has gone through a significant transformation since Steve Haslam took over in 2009, including a £1.3m renovation over two years, turning it into a sprawling traditional pub.

Then, back in 2021, it undertook a further £200,000 project which saw it overhauled to include the attractive Urban Fresh restaurant, adorned with cool interiors, stylish graffiti art, and a private dining room with its pretty flower ceiling.

Owner Steve Haslam also runs the Bread and Cheese pub in Benfleet, which has recently undergone a major transformation too.

Flavoursome - The Mexican burger (Image: Newsquest)

Billericay councillor, Phil Turner, added: "It is great news, that it will remain business as usual.

"I think the community will be heartened to hear that reassurance.

"I am taken back by a sale, as it is a well-respected venue, and the investment over many years has seen it compete in its own right as a place of choice.

"But these are difficult times for the industry and harsh realities for the environment these establishments operate within.

"I wish anyone taking on such an enterprise good fortune."

Stonegate has been contacted for comment by the Echo.