The White Lion pub in St Albans is set to reopen on April 10th after a significant investment by leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co.
The quintessential village pub will not only reopen with a new look, but will also be under the helm of experienced hospitality star and new Management Partner, Ashley Metcalfe.
Ashley has dedicated his life to the hospitality industry, starting his career as a Glass Collector and working his way up to General Manager in various pubs and restaurants from York down to Hertfordshire.
Now, he has taken the plunge to take on a pub of his own, and is eager to meet the community. “The White Lion has a stellar reputation in the community, and I know that locals cannot wait to see its transformation. I’ve had my eyes on the pub for a while now, so when the opportunity came up, I jumped at it!” said Ashley.
“The potential here is huge, and we’ve got many plans to see the long-term success of this pub. My biggest passion is working with the community, and making sure that we create a pub they’re proud of. I’m excited to get stuck in, work with the team there and reignite the community.”
Ashley ventured down to Hertfordshire almost a decade ago with his wife, and has worked in various local pubs, gaining valuable experience and building strong community ties.
His ambition for the White Lion is clear: to revive the community spirit and make it the go-to pub in the village by collaborating with local people, charities and groups. As part of this, he would like to focus on hosting fundraising events, connecting with local charities and raising awareness for local and national causes. He also has plans to bring back the pub’s live music nights, by hosting local talent in the pub’s soon-to-be refurbished outdoor space.
As part of the investment, a redesign of the White Lion’s generously sized beer garden is underway. The original outdoor tent has been removed to uncover a suntrap, that can be utilised for the community events Ashley has planned. The garden also features an outdoor bar where guests can enjoy their favourite drinks in the sunshine.
Internally, the pub will undergo a complete refresh opening with a new look and style, but retaining the characteristics and charm, like the traditional wooden beams, that locals know and love.
Food will also play a central role in the ‘new’ White Lion, with plans to enhance the dining experience for guests. The White Lion’s new menu will feature seasonal flavours from sesame-coated salmon with rice noodles, chilli, garlic, and ginger to roasted butternut squash salad with red and white quinoa, and grilled chicken pappardelle pasta.
Whilst the transformation is still underway, Ashley is planning the pub’s reopening and forming his ambitions for the pub. He continued: “Having worked in the area for the last few years, I already feel like I’ve built a great relationship with the pub’s clientele, but I’m excited to continue to build this and to see the team flourish. I get my kicks in helping to nurture others, sharing my experience and watching them develop. I know we have a great set-up here at the White Lion, so I’m grateful to have this opportunity to ensure it serves as a fantastic local pub for a very long time.”