Truro’s oldest pub will reopen under a new landlord on Friday [May 23] at 6pm.

The White Hart in New Bridge Street dates back to the 1750s, but closed its doors on March 31 when the previous landlords said running costs were no longer sustainable.

Owner Punch Taverns described the closure as “temporary”, and the new landlord has been announced as Anton Cullis, manager of namesake and sister Punch venue The White Hart in Bodmin.

Following a refurb, the pub will relaunch with a disco/karaoke evening starting at 8pm. Customers from Bodmin have been invited to attend, with free transport laid on.

Mr Cullis announced his new role on social media. “I've spent so much time and money in the Bodmin bar to get it to where it is today, with a nice friendly atmosphere and a very welcoming bar,” he said.

“I’m now officially the landlord of The White Hart in Truro, and I’m hoping to do the same there too. It's a new challenge for me, but I want to make it a friendly and welcoming pub with karaoke and live entertainment at the weekend, and mirror it with the Bodmin bar.”

Mel Wilson will take over as manager of the Truro venue. “Punch Taverns approached Anton with a view to taking Truro on, as he had done such a great job in Bodmin,” she said. “The two pubs have a similar clientele, and we wanted to bring The White Hart in Truro back to its former glory.”

Previous landlords Dave and Jacki Adams made the decision to leave the pub following the Autumn Budget, which sent business overheads skyrocketing by £30,000 a year.

Mrs Adams said: “If Punch Taverns do find someone else to take it on for what they are asking, they will be bankrupt within a year.”