CHIDDINGFOLD pub The Winterton Arms has reopened under new management after closing for a revamp in November.

Sam Daffin, who took over at Youngs’ Witley pub The White Hart, in 2013, before turning the business around, is aiming to do the same at his new Surrey hostelry, which he has leased from Punch Taverns for 25 years.

There were fears for the future of The Winterton Arms, when it was put it on the market by the owners in 2015 as a going concern but also with “alternative use potential”, subject to planning consent.

Ex-White Hart general manager Simon Head and his wife Kirsty have moved down the road to run the pub, which offers craft beer and a regularly changing selection of steaks, chops, grills, fish and Sunday roasts.

Discerning G&T enthusiasts can also compare and contrast 65 selected gins and more than 20 tonic water variations.

Mr Daffin, who is also co-director with his wife of The Grey Horse, in Kingston, said: “Punch approached me and it has great potential. I love Chiddingfold and already know a lot of our customers.”