UK hospitality Group Heartwood Collection has announced the acquisition of The White Horse, a pub with rooms in Dorking, Surrey.

The 56-bedroom Grade II listed inn will be the first under Heartwood Inns, which is scheduled to open in early 2024.

The hospitality company plans to make a multi-million-pound investment to refurbish the premises over the coming months.

In addition to the refurbishment of 56 bedrooms, the bar will also be upgraded and will feature a traditional stone fireplace.

The group’s signature fresh, seasonal menu will be served to the guests in the dining room and a garden room serving.

The White Horse will be the group’s first pub with rooms. The deal is part of the company’s ambition to become a leading operator of freehold premium pubs and pubs with rooms in the UK.

Heartwood Collection managing director Richard Ferrier said: “We are very excited to announce the acquisition of The White Horse, Dorking as Heartwood Inns’ first pub with rooms.

“The pub is steeped in history and will fit beautifully with the rest of our pub estate. This represents a significant step for the group as we accelerate our ambition to become the market-leading operator of premium freehold pubs and pubs with rooms in the UK.”

Heartwood Collection is part of British private equity firm Alchemy Partners.

In June this year, Alchemy Partners planned to rebrand the Brasserie Blanc restaurant chain as the Heartwood Collection, according to a report by the Independent.