A pub that is both new and steeped in tradition has thrived despite drinking holes across the UK closing at an alarming rate.
According to the Campaign for Real Ale’s latest figures, 27 UK pubs close every week.
Yet the £1.5 million The Millstone Hare at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam, Warwickshire, is proving a hit with drinkers and diners – in part due to the fantastic view it offers of the action on the field coupled with its unique ambience.
Major Richard Carney MBE, Dallas Burston Polo Club’s Operations Director, said: “The future of the traditional British pub can often seem grim.
“Yet The Millstone Hare shows that quality pubs that offer a unique experience and good food and drink can thrive – despite national trends.
“The Great British pub is woven into the fabric of this nation and we think its future remains bright.”
The impressive cellar-style pub boasts some fascinating artefacts – not least a selection of French artwork and 10 pews from the Church of St Andrew’s in Upper Harlestone, which has enjoyed a long association with the family of Princess Diana – the Spencers of the nearby Althorp Estate.
The Millstone Hare offers quality cuisine and wines is suitable for all occasions.
Visitors don’t have to be polo fans to enjoy the venue, but with the upstairs terraces overlooking the grounds it is the perfect facility for spectators who come to enjoy events.
Upstairs is a dining and private function area with seating for 110 guests with full view terraces on both sides of the pavilion that overlook the polo grounds.
The pub is the first phase of the polo club’s ambitious plans for a £122 million development over 12 years on the 600-acre site.
The plans also include an exclusive boutique hotel with more than 50 bedrooms and luxury garden rooms complementing the existing facilities which include six polo grounds, the IXL Events Centre, wedding venues, the 2.4-acre, all-weather SuperArena and the colonial Clubhouse.