The Candover
Opening in spring 2026, The Candover marks the return of a much-loved village pub, rescued and reimagined by three local friends.
The building, formerly The Purefoy Arms, had been sold with plans to turn it into housing. Rather than see the heart of the village disappear, the trio stepped in. Restoration is now well underway, with the pub set to reopen as a pub with rooms, firmly rooted in its Hampshire setting.
The project sits under the stewardship of operations manager Luke Ashwood, formerly of Cubitt House. His approach centres on familiarity and pride of place. With open countryside on the doorstep and few nearby places to stay, the aim has been to create something enduring. A pub locals recognise as their own. Somewhere equally suited to a quiet pint or a weekend escape.
Upstairs, there will be ten bedrooms, each designed with comfort and individuality in mind. Three Garden Rooms feature four-poster beds, Juliet balconies and generous proportions. Two Family Rooms include built-in bunks for children and private patios opening onto the garden. Two Large Rooms offer super king-size beds and bathtubs, alongside two Cosy Rooms and one Comfy Room for shorter stays.
Original details are being quietly and gently restored whilst Richard and Dave of Becher Joinery are the craftsmen behind the new bar and the interiors of Launceston Place and the original Hakkasan. Food sits at the centre of the experience at The Candover. Menus focus on dishes cooked over an open grill fueled by coal and wood. The Dining Room seats 50 and will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at linen-dressed tables. The Pub, also with 50 covers, welcomes walk-ins for pub classics, bar snacks and the full à la carte menu.
Outside, the Terrace will have bookable tables alongside bench seating, a playground and a seasonal Horsebox Kitchen, making it as appealing for local families as it is for those staying the night.