Walkers of Whitehall (IA)
A father and son (Chris and John Scott) bought two ailing ale houses on the map having run a successful local in the country.
They were determined to bring the air of the 'local' to town and have surpassed themselves with the White Hart.
The White Hart at the top of Drury Lane is opposite the Shaftesbury theatre and they are the local for the cast and all the theatre regulars. The sad fact that the theatre has had many short run play provided them with many opening nights and last night drinks parties! Apart from this the pub is a local to many of the people who live in the area as well as for the shops in the surrounding streets. When you walk in you get the feel of a local straight away. It has traditional decor and is certainly a place where people meet and gather as any good pub should be. An important point is that the beer is well kept, as is the whole place.
They encourage music - it is the scene of many a singing party where everyone can go and take the microphone. No Karaoke equipment but plenty of enthusiasm and because of it's friendly atmosphere 'shy' is not on the agenda.
John and Chris walk between pubs frequently. Their other pub is Walkers of Whitehall which has undergone similar transformation. From the business point of view their independence from the main breweries and branded chains has paid dividends. Business has thrived. These pubs are both a good place to go to sample the old style of caring for their regulars.