THE price tag on a borough pub and restaurant venue has dropped considerably as its owners hope to try to find a new tenant.

In a bid to renew interest in the former White Hart pub in Grays which is on the market after a tortuous few years, the 'goodwill' fee to take over the building has been reduced.

Thurrock Nub News reported in June this year, that after a short and ultimately unsuccessful spell as a mediterranean restaurant called the Pasha Lounge, local estate agents Ali &Co were remarketing the property on behalf of Admiral Taverns

At the time the terms featured a goodwill payment of £200,000 and nine year lease offered at £50,000 per annum.

The business partnership that briefly ran the venue as the Pasha Lounge was reported to have lost a significant sum after spending many tens of thousands to refurbish and restyle the traditional pub - once an iconic venue for real ale drinkers but also the venue for huge controversy over a display of Golly dolls.

Prior to the lease acquisition by a group of businessmen the White Hart closed in 2023, the pub became a focus of national attention over the dolls after police raided the pub and took them down, alleging they were racist.

No prosecution ever followed but the furore was enough to force landlords Benice and Chris Ryley to quit.

In its latest marketing pitch, a description of the property by agents states: "Ali & Co are delighted to present this fully refurbished stunning restaurant offering Turkish Cuisine, positioned in a prime location close to town centre and transport links.

"Set in a beautiful building offering 100 covers fully equipped new kitchen, basement storage, the restaurant is fully operational with a healthy weekly turnover and customer base."

See associated stories.

April 2023: A black and White Hart problem: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/a-black-and-white-problem-police-officers-visit-pub-to-confiscate-golly-dolls-despite-force-having-previously-decided-no-laws-were-broken-council-confirms-display-does-not-breach-its-rules-179045

April 2023: Opinions vary on pub dolls: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/grays-pub-golliwog-doll-furore-continues-as-contrasting-views-become-focal-point-for-national-media-179611

April 2023: Pub windows smashed: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/golly-pub-windows-are-shattered-as-critics-make-a-violent-protest-180031

May 2023: Tearful Benice as pub closes its doors. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/police-action-led-to-closure-of-pub-says-landlady-of-white-hart-as-she-closes-doors-for-last-time-following-golly-controversy-182245

May 2023: Building owner has plans to reopen White Hart: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/pubs-company-says-it-plans-to-reopen-the-white-hart-in-grays-182650

December 2023: £600,000 price tag on White Hart: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/pub-chain-that-pledged-to-reopen-grays-town-centre-hostelry-after-golly-controversy-has-now-put-it-up-for-sale-215646

March 2024: 'Gollygate' impacts on beer festival: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/camra-says-borough-beer-festival-will-go-ahead-despite-fall-out-over-gollygate-223674

February 2025: Pub transformed https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/former-pub-transformed-to-offer-mediterranean-welcome-251426

February 2025: Red carpet night at new restaurant attended by MP: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/red-carpet-night-at-new-restaurant-252314