White Horse, Banbury

Quinno _ left this review about White Horse

Has evolved and feels lived-in enough now to be a good modern take on the classic pub template, apparently the licensees have now been in-situ for 15 years which I suppose has allowed for this gentle continuity. There’s more discrete spaces than I recalled from previous though I did make a point of ambling around this time. I also checked-out the superb flora and fauna rear patio. A sensible three cask on for early week, I had an ace pint of Tiger (NBSS 4) so turnover is clearly there. Apple-grapplers can enjoy the range of ciders. One downside were the pair of twogs whose owners should have got a talking-to, cost it half a mark. GBG perennial and a shoo-in for any crawl.

November 2015
Brief revisit found eight pumps which were doubled-up so only four ales on, though to be fair there were brews from the likes of Joules and Itchin Valley, served by a single and harassed-looking barkeep. No sign of any White Horse beers, have they pulled out? Two real ciders spotted and a bit different to the usual ‘names’. The interior seems to have been given a going-over to make it more pubby than previous which works well, although they could have done with turning the heating up a bit (I noted the fire was smoking rather than burning). Discovered a small but well-done patio area to the rear. Remains a 7, could and should get higher. Rated 7

May 2012
Formerly the Buck/Buck & Bell, which was apparently a bit of a low-grade barn. It has recently been taken over by Everards and leased to White Horse Brewery, presumably as part of the Project William scheme to transform failing pubs. The interior looks to be 100% new and is done to a high standard in a fairly traditional style, brown shades seem to be the predominant colour of choice. Whilst it seems a little clinical at present, I'm sure it'll feel more inviting once it’s been 'lived in' for a bit. Ten ales on the go, with a bank of White Horse beers facing you as you enter, with a pretty interesting (if unexciting style-wise) set of guests plus a permanent Everards beer on the other side of the bar. I had a pint of White Horse which was very well kept and gratifyingly cheap if the price of the round was anything to go by. Low volume background muzak, didn't spot a TV but didn't look very hard. Service was fine and I'd happily pop back here. Certainly one to do when in town on this showing; Banbury doesn't have a great deal of interesting ale pubs so this one is to be welcomed. Rated 7

On 4^th September 2024 - rating: 8
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