Award-winning hospitality group Heartwood Collection has acquired The Potters Heron hotel in Chandler’s Ford, Hampshire from Pebble Hotels.
The acquisition will see the 56 bedroom site undergo an extended closure to facilitate a sympathetic multi-million pound refurbishment that will create a further four bedrooms, 258 internal covers and 96 external seats.
The bar and dining areas will be renovated to create warm, welcoming spaces infused with Heartwood’s signature charm. The terrace and garden will also be landscaped to create intimate areas where guests will be able to enjoy Heartwood’s seasonally changing menu and carefully curated drinks list. In each of the boutique style bedrooms guests will enjoy thoughtful touches including Roberts radios, Bramley toiletries, Chromecast televisions, rainfall showers with some rooms also featuring free-standing baths.
The Potters Heron will be Heartwood’s eighth pub with rooms, joining The Ropemaker as the Group’s second rooms site in Hampshire and will take Heartwood’s total room offering to more than 250 when it reopens in Spring 2026.
With its thatched roof, The Potters Heron dates back to 1937 and is a landmark building. Known as the birthplace of Thomas the Tank Engine author Wilbert Awdry, Chandler’s Cross is located in the picturesque Test Valley and is a short journey from the New Forest and the South Downs National Park.
Heartwood Collection holds the highest possible rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association (three stars). The Group won ‘Best Brand/ Concept’ at the 2025 Publican Awards.
Richard Ferrier, CEO of Heartwood Collection, said: “We are delighted to have acquired the Potters Heron, close to Chandler’s Cross, a much loved pub with rooms. We intend to invest fully in the property over the next eight months
with the aim of creating something truly special that stands the test of time.” The acquisition comes as Heartwood Inns prepares to open its seventh pub with rooms, The George & Dragon, Marlow on the 15th July and follows the Group’s success at this year’s National Pub & Bar Awards.
