London Nightclub Boss Transforms Historic Wood Street Pub
From Leicester Square to Surrey: A New Chapter
For decades, Jeremy Gordeno built a reputation managing some of London’s most celebrated nightlife venues, including Oxygen in Leicester Square and the upscale Jewel in Piccadilly Circus. But the veteran hospitality entrepreneur has decided to trade the capital’s glittering nightclub scene for something closer to home—quite literally. Having grown up in Surrey, Gordeno has returned to his roots to take on what he describes as an exciting new challenge: breathing life back into the White Hart Pub on Wood Street.
The decision reflects broader shifts in the hospitality industry. “The nightclub industry has died a death,” Gordeno explains. “I prefer the environment of daytime pub and restaurant operations these days.” After months of searching for the right location, he discovered the White Hart—a historic village establishment that once drew visitors from across London, hungry for its renowned food and traditional charm. For Gordeno, it represented an ideal opportunity to apply his considerable experience and vision to a venue with genuine local heritage and community significance.
From Ruin to Renewal: A Complete Transformation
The White Hart hadn’t just been closed—it had been left to deteriorate significantly. Gordeno faced a property requiring comprehensive renovation from the ground up. What followed was an extensive refurbishment project that touched every element of the building. “We’ve done new cellars, new kitchens, and genuinely everything,” he says. “From the foundations upwards, it’s all been replaced.”
This wasn’t simply cosmetic work. The scope mirrors the kind of kitchen renovation and bathroom refurbishment projects that transform neglected properties across our region. Local contractors and skilled tradespeople have worked to restore the pub’s infrastructure while preserving its authentic character. Original features like wooden beams remain, now complemented by contemporary design elements—colourful walls and distinctive furnishings that merge traditional pub aesthetics with modern sensibilities. The result is what Gordeno calls “an old pub with a modern look.” For Wood Street residents and the broader Woking and Dorking area communities, this represents not just a venue returning to service, but a landmark being thoughtfully restored with serious investment and expertise.
Local Excitement as White Hart Opens Its Doors
The pub’s reopening on Thursday, September 10th has generated genuine enthusiasm throughout the Wood Street community and surrounding neighbourhoods. That excitement stems partly from nostalgia—the White Hart once ranked number one on TripAdvisor, with its reputation drawing diners from across London. Gordeno’s focus on quality food aims to recapture that magic.
The kitchen team will serve a carefully considered menu blending traditional pub fare with more sophisticated offerings. Expect burgers and steaks alongside roasted duck and elevated chicken dishes. Sundays will feature sharing roasts that encourage community gathering—the kind of occasion that makes pubs central to village life in areas like East Horsley and beyond. Plans exist for breakfast and brunch service as well, with seasonal menu rotations keeping the offering fresh.
Local residents should watch this space closely. A revitalized White Hart contributes to the vibrancy of Wood Street, supporting local employment and potentially attracting visitors from across the region. The pub’s success depends on community support and footfall. If you’ve missed this venue or simply want to welcome back quality hospitality to the area, its reopening deserves your attention. This is more than just another dining option—it’s a piece of local heritage being reclaimed and reimagined.
Source: Popular Surrey village pub to be reopened by glitzy London nightclub boss
