NEW village pub landlord Tom Dunnell believes he can cope with anything his role as mine host throws at him.
Which is probably a good thing as The White Horse, Eaton Bray, has a spirit with a difference behind the bar.
Dunstable-born Tom believes a ghost called George inhabits the oak-beamed, 300-year-old inn.
Named after George Reeves, who was licensee for more than 40 years, George is a suit of armour that watches over the bar, as if to guard the shimmering brass memorabilia that adorns the building.
Tom, 55, took over shortly before Christmas, but already believes George is responsible for some unusual occurrences, including the theft of his Stanley knife.
Tom said: “There is a really healthy village grapevine. It was packed out for our first night. If we can cope with that we can cope with anything.”
Although The White Horse is renowned for its exceptional menu, and every one of its much-loved meals will still be available, lovingly crafted by original chef Frank Lloyd, Tom plans to try a few new things in the kitchen.
For a family-friendly experience, he intends to offer children’s portions of most of the adult-sized meals on offer.
He also plans to introduce locally sourced produce where possible and to utilise a friend’s crayfish pond close to the pub.
“I can’t see why, when there are loads of farms around, that we wouldn’t source our food locally,” he said.
Tom brings a wealth of experience to the pub, and said: “It feels like all of the jobs I’ve ever had have prepared me for life at The White Horse.”
Former owners David and Janet Sparrow, who ran the pub for 23 years, suffered a setback to their retirement intentions in October when they lost a buyer. But Tom, a regular customer for the past six years, stepped in and saved the couple’s plans to move to Suffolk, where they now live.
Mainly keeping the same staff at the Market Square inn, Tom recruited Jade Craig as his right-hand woman. Jade, 24, formerly of The Three Locks, Stoke Hammond, said: “I’m thrilled with my new appointment and I know that the business will be a huge success.”
David and Janet are enjoying their retirement and thanked their loyal customers from their time at The White Horse.
David said: “We met an awful lot of people during our 23 years there and made many friends.
“We had a chance to say thank you and goodbye to most of our customers, but there were one or two we missed out on.
“I would like to wish Tom all the best. I am sure he will do very well.”