White Horse, Banbury

There were a handful of people happily drinking in the White Horse so I was surprised when the landlady told us at 21:00 on a recent weekday evening that she was about to ring last orders meaning I could only have one drink, especially when the pub is advertised to be open until 22:00 during the week. I sat in the small front right-hand bar area where the serving counter faces banquettes and bucket seats along the front wall adjacent to a stone fireplace. The counter also runs up the right towards the rear, Mighty Oak Brewery’s Kings and Little Ox Brew Co’s Ox Blood were available alongside Everard’s Sunchaser and Tiger, as well as Stan’s Big Apple Cider on cask options. The left-hand side of the pub is open plan seating and because the pub was closing, and the gents are right next to the front bar, I didn’t get to have a look around the rear. However, I did visit the toilets to discover the ceiling and walls around the mirrors to be covered with old pump clips. Live music is held here on Fridays and there’s a Sunday evening quiz, but be warned that I also noted that the pub was to be closed on an upcoming Saturday from 17:00 for a private party so I’d check Facebook to make sure the pub is open if planning a special visit. I can see how this pub won North Oxfordshire CAMRA 2024 POTY, but I don’t think I saw it in its best light, so I think I’ll give it another go next time I’m in Banbury.

Official site of White Horse - www.whitehorsebanbury.com

Official site of White Horse - www.whitehorsebanbury.com

Kind of on a square fronting the main road, small bar area to the right, mixed lounge with sofas, some high booths and other random seating. Real ales from Everards. Nice enough place