Anticipation Mounts for the White Rock Inn’s Re-opening

The chance to relax in the company of friends and family whilst savouring a crisp glass of Prosecco or relishing a perfectly conditioned Harvey’s Bitter is one that many have eagerly anticipated. As of the 12th April, that delightful moment will have finally arrived. With the government’s roadmap stating that pubs may open for outdoor table service, such news has brought sweet music to the ears of many whose visit to their favourite pub garden is just mere weeks away. This prospect has indeed brought much joy to Mark and Tania, the new Landlord and Landlady of The White Rock Inn pub in Underriver.

A charming village pub nestled within the picturesque country surroundings of Sevenoaks, The White Rock Inn perfectly captures the ambience of Kentish tradition, whilst meeting the satisfaction of many taste buds with their selection of Kent wines, local cask ales and a classic wholesome menu. However, like every hospitality business during these precarious times, The White Rock Inn have exemplified resilience and positivity in order to keep the pub’s spirit alive. From a takeaway ‘kiosk’ in the pretty front garden that has been serving coffees, cakes and brunch to the many walkers that pass by, to the takeaway menu available Fridays to Sundays for those wishing to bring a taste of the pub’s flavoursome delights into their home.

Home has been a place many of us have spent much time in over these past months, and for the furloughed team at The White Rock Inn, this time has also come with gratitude as no job losses were experienced. This gratitude will now be combined with a huge sense of relief as the light now shines at the end of the tunnel, as come the 12th of April staff will be back on their feet serving customers a selection of succulent spring dishes. Confit duck, broad bean, minted pea and asparagus risotto and a hearty ploughman’s to name but a few can be enjoyed in the inviting garden.  With enough space to be socially distant, yet intimate enough to retain a sense of charm, the White Rock Inn’s garden will surely bring a smile to many faces in the coming weeks.

There are an abundant of dates planned ahead that the White Rock Inn intend will lighten the spirits of their much missed customers, and hopefully many new faces too throughout the pub’s phased reopening. With an exciting array of events including a Tea Party with a live 40’s and 50’s singer to honour the Queen’s birthday on June 12th, an indulgent family roast on June 20th to celebrate Father’s Day, a spectacular outdoor play by the Shakespeare Society on the weekends of the 8th and 15th of July, and on the Bank Holiday weekend of August 30th the pub will be debuting their delectable Christmas menu to give customers a taste of the plateful of pleasure they have to look forward to come December.

However, with a few weeks left to go until the opening and with Easter just on the horizon, The White Rock Inn have decided to spread some joy on Easter weekend, continuing their efforts to feed the souls of their customers by serving takeaway afternoon teas. The simple pleasures of a Sunday stroll followed by a scrumptious cake and a refreshing cup of tea is one that many can look forward to.

It is no doubt that the remarkable adaptability that Tania and Mark, like others in the hospitality sector have demonstrated, is truly inspiring to many businesses. With the reality of pubs and restaurants resuming to normality in the not too distant future, we can until then mark the day in our diaries that we can enjoy a much anticipated seat, soaking up the atmosphere of The White Rock Inn’s glorious garden… obviously with a well deserved drink in hand.