Ufford White Lion pub celebrates new team and new chapter

Since the beginning of the summer holidays, the White Lion in Ufford has been open seven days a week.

Post-pandemic, the 17th century inn had been closed for three days a week and was only open from Thursday night to early Sunday evening.  

Now, proud owner Stephen Thurlow said he is looking forward to seeing what the future holds, whilst remaining true to the pub’s roots as a traditional country inn. 

“We’re looking to reinvent ourselves,” said Mr Thurlow, 62. “We have some new blood, and new energy.” 

He has now handed over the day-to-day running of the pub to Richard Warren and Andrew Jarret, who between them have 30 years' experience of working in hospitality in Suffolk. 

Owner of the White Lion Stephen Thurlow, centre, with the new members of the team: left, Andrew Jarrett, and right, chef Richard Warren. Image: Andy Gardner (Image: Andy Gardner)

The White Lion has been open seven days a week since the summer holidays began. Image: Andy Gardner (Image: Andy Gardner)

A café-style menu has been introduced during the day, with cakes and quiches on offer alongside traditional favourites such as fish and chips. Image: Andy Gardner (Image: Andy Gardner)

A delicious summer cheesecake. Richard Warren is the main chef at the White Lion, while Finn Boorne is the chef on Mondays and Tuesdays. Image: Andy Gardner (Image: Andy Gardner)

New shepherd's hut accommodation is available at the White Lion. Image: Andy Gardner (Image: Andy Gardner)

Andrew, 32, said: "It is a real honour to join Stephen to showcase one of the best village pubs in the county - and to put into place some exciting new ventures. 

"We've loved the White Lion for many years and have both enjoyed it to drink and eat in with our families.” 

Richard, 43, who is the main chef at the pub, said: "Don't break it. People like classic English pubs - it's a dying breed." 

The pub now offers accommodation, with two rooms above the inn, two shepherds huts, two rooms in a cottage across the road and capacity for six camper vans. 

On Mondays and Tuesdays, the pub chef will be Finn Boorne, 19, while the bar is being operated by Kit Thomas, also 19.

Kit is one of the 111 young people trained by Stephen and his wife, Gaynor, who died last year.  

Mr Thurlow is also looking forward to bringing back beer brewed by the pub, with the popular Long Boat making a reappearance next month. 

The White Lion is now open seven days a week. Image: Google Maps (Image: Google Maps)