Mystery over historic pub

The future of one of Spalding’s oldest buildings and historic pub is uncertain after it mysteriously closed its doors.

Ye Olde White Horse on Churchgate, which is currently run by Yorkshire-based brewery Samuel Smith, closed its doors three weeks ago.

It’s remained closed since while the brewery has ignored requests from the Spalding Voice for a comment on its future.

The book Aspects of Spalding by MJ Elsden claims that the building was built from material from the former Benedictine Priory and was known as Berguery House when owned by William Willesby who lived from 1576 to 1631.

It was a pub back in 1732 known as The George.

Nigel Woods, the owner of the recently re-opened Lincolnshire Poacher pub, said he saw a locksmith van in the car park.

“I saw the locksmith van in the yard,” he said. “The White Horse cribbage team which played in that pub also came in to the Poacher to ask about the possibility of playing here.

“They also understood the locks had been changed so who knows what’s happening.”

Ye Olde White Horse is just yards from The Bull and Monkie which has been derelict for a number of years.

Earlier this year Samuel Smith announced a no phone policy in their establishments.

“There’s more and more pubs disappearing,” continued Nigel.

“It’s been going very well here at The Poacher since we took over, but it’s very difficult.”