White Horse Inn, Highbridge

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Blackthorn _ left this review about White Horse Inn

A pleasant pub in this rather remote village, it’s a good sized establishment consisting of two rooms as well as a garden and large car park. What might be described as the public bar was on the right of the building, and this had a fairly traditional country pub feel to it despite the large plasma screen and a darts board at one end. Paintwork was a mixture of cream and burgundy and there were a few old black and white photographs of the village on the walls. Seating was conventional tables and chairs as well as a few Chesterfield arm chairs and sofas and there was a wood burning stove in one corner, although the only heat being given out from this on our visit was from a row of tea lights along the top.

The lounge bar/restaurant at the other end of the pub had a similar décor although with the addition of some lime green paintwork in addition to the cream and burgundy. This was an L-shape room with the area in front of the bar being a little open and devoid of much character I thought. Elsewhere is a carpeted floor, one or two beams on the ceiling and a brick chimney breast and fire-place although this too was unused which was a shame as it could perhaps have been a degree or two warmer in there. Somehow it didn’t feel as cosy as I would have liked, although it was difficult to pin down exactly why. Some background music would also have helped, it was really much too quiet in there.

A chalkboard menu offered a good selection of dishes that were perhaps a step or two up from your normal “pub grub”, but still included options such as a burger or fish & chips, with most of the main courses being in the £10 - £12 range. A Steak & Ale Pie was full of flavour, tasty and a generous portion and came with some very chunky, but crispy chips and a small jug of gravy in a miniature milk urn. Crab Croquettes were also a decent and tasty dish, although perhaps not as crabby as I would have liked. These too were a very generous portion.

Beers on tap were Timothy Taylor Landlord, Old Speckled Hen and London Pride, whilst a further two pumps appeared unused. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Gold and Thatcher’s Dry. All in all this was a solid enough pub and I’d happily call in again if in the area, but it didn’t do quite enough to entice me to make a special journey.

On 30^th October 2015 - rating: 7
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