White Horse, Leamington Spa

Very unusual pub. There is a closed off bar bit to the left which is the first thing you see as you walk towards the pub from Parade. This made us think it was closed initially. The closed part looks magnificent, but it doesn't smell like it's been open anytime recently. Next to the closed bit there's a small snug with room for about a dozen people. Through the snug and to the left it opens up into what turns out to be a massive pub. There's a raised area at the rear which was set up for dining. There's also an outside courtyard with seating and at the entrance to this area and facing out on to the street is a life sized model of a white horse. The walls are covered with paintings, most of which are for sale and the pub is lit by some great large, round lights. We got some drinks and settled ourselves down under Marilyn Monroe on the raised area. The menu looked good, so we decided to eat here. The food was well presented and was very good quality, which it should be as you're paying restaurant prices in here, but it was worth it. There were 6 handpumps on the bar with one being reserved for real cider. I had an Ilkley Norseman and a Coastal Poseidon which were a rather steep £4 per pint. We ate here on a Sunday night the following evening we ate at Ask across the road and tried to call in here for a drink afterwards. It was quiz night and the pub was absolutley rammed with no tables available anywhere, including the snug. Amazing, I didn't think pub quizzes were that well attended anymore. There had to be well over 100 people in, so we had to give it a miss. It's a good pub with a good selection of ale and the food is excellent, but don't even think about it on quiz night!

A very lively pub with an eclectic selection of drinks full stop. Being bit of a cider fan it is great to see a good selection and not just the main chain style ciders, but Aspalls, Hogans, Thatchers and Westons. This establishment has successfully re-established itself as a real drinkers pub whilst not being inaccessible to the masses ensuring it always has a brisk trade.