**Beloved Pembrokeshire Pub Gears Up for Expansion after Winning National Praise**
A cherished watering hole in the heart of a picturesque Welsh riverside village is set to expand, following the approval of ambitious new plans by local authorities. The White Hart Inn, nestled in St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, has long been known as a favourite social spot for residents and visitors alike. Now, buoyed by its recent recognition as one of the friendliest pubs in the United Kingdom, the establishment is set for a new chapter.
The historic inn, found on Finch Street and boasting a heritage stretching back some 250 years, was granted permission by Pembrokeshire County Council to enlarge its licensed premises. This approval allows the pub to adapt and re-purpose the former manager’s accommodation—an area that has lain empty since the start of 2022—extending the accessible and convivial space that the White Hart has become synonymous with.
Notably, the White Hart Inn has made national headlines recently after a study by Get Licensed, a well-known security consultancy, determined it to be the UK’s second friendliest pub. The study’s methodology combined Tripadvisor ratings with local crime statistics, placing an emphasis on hospitality and safety—qualities that evidently resonate with locals and visitors. Two-thirds of customer reviews highlight the warm, inviting nature of the pub, with many guests commending the welcoming atmosphere.
The story of the White Hart’s revival is rooted in local solidarity. After the pub closed its doors in 2019 when the previous tenants chose to move on, villagers rallied together, determined not to lose their beloved meeting spot. Their efforts bore fruit in 2021 when the inn reopened under community ownership as “The White Hart Community Inn Ltd”. The society is structured as a Community Benefit Society, a move which enabled local people to buy shares and have a direct stake in the future of the business.
Raising the necessary funds to revive the hub required considerable collective effort. Alongside a public share offer, external support flowed in from the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Government, via the Social Business Growth Fund and Pembrokeshire County Council grants. The Wales Co-operative Centre provided key guidance throughout the process, demonstrating the power of collaboration between community groups and broader public funding initiatives.
This recent expansion is not the White Hart’s only venture into modernisation for sustainability. In a separate planning application, the community group behind the pub successfully sought permission to install solar panels on the historic building, aiming to reduce energy costs and embrace greener business practices.
These proactive steps have garnered considerable support locally. St Dogmaels Community Council voiced unreserved backing for the installation of solar panels and broader expansion of the premises, underscoring the value that the pub brings to the village as both a social and ecological champion.
Today, the White Hart Inn continues to flourish, its success underpinned by its new management model and increased recognition. A consistent five-star rating on Tripadvisor is testament to the hard work invested by the community, maintaining both high standards and friendly service.
The developments at the White Hart Inn illustrate a broader trend of communities taking ownership of vital local assets in order to preserve them for future generations. As villages and towns across Wales and the UK confront the challenges facing local pubs, the example set by St Dogmaels offers a beacon of hope. The story is a reminder that, with unity and determination, even the most historic institutions can be rejuvenated and made fit for the future.