WELCOME TO

THE WHITE HORSE

est. 1574

Photo credit: Matt Hayward

The White Horse

An award winning public house in the historic part of Dover

Sitting in the shadow of Dover Castle and beside the ruins of a bombed Norman Church, you will find the historic White Horse Inn. A majestic old building & unsurprisingly haunted, the White Horse boasts a stunning terrace garden to the rear with the unusual backdrop of the bombed Church. The Grade 2 listed White Horse dates back to 1365 and was originally the home to the Verger to St James Church. In 1574, it is said to have taken its first recorded steps as an "Ale tasting house" before being known as "The White Horse Inn" from 1818. Historic records show that the cellar was used as a morgue and inquests on bodies recovered from the sea are said to have been heard here in the rear dining rooms. With a history like that, there is little wonder that both landlords can spin a yarn to delighted visitors about their own experiences of unexplainable happenings.

The Horse - as it is known locally - went on to survive both wars unscathed whilst its neighbour, St James Church, was struck during both. In 2002, channel swimming brothers Albert & Peter Bardoel started the unusual tradition of signing the main bar following on from a successful solo channel swim. This tradition ran until 2018 when the walls became full but the quirky décor lives on creating a quizzical topic of conversation. A sensitive refurbishment during lockdown saw decades of lead paint being removed to show a more traditional wood finish in the rear dining rooms.

These days, the White Horse Inn is a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of tourists & locals alike mingling with thespians, artists or even channel swimmers, enjoying traditional, home cooked food and sampling premium drinks in cosy, traditional surroundings.
Highly ranked on TripAdvisor

Relax in the sunshine of our hidden terrace garden

On a summers day, there is virtually no better suntrap than our terrace garden with the ruins of St James Church as our backdrop.

Following on from an extensive garden refurbishment in 2018, the previously underused terrace garden has become a popular spot with locals and tourists alike looking to eat, drink and enjoy the sun. Throughout the summer, local musicians like C W Lawson (pictured) create a wonderful summer vibe with acoustic music performed outside on a Sunday afternoon.

During the summer months, food is served outside in the garden throughout the day attracting a huge amount of customers.

No reservations are taken for outside seating.

Further garden images can be found on our Instagram page or by using #hiddenterracegarden or #secretterracegarden.
Photo credit: Emma West

July 2023 Menus

All ingredients are sourced from local suppliers & all dishes are created here.

Please take note that this menu is meant as a guide only as we regularly change our food offerings several times a month.

Our food is cooked fresh to order and therefore, at busy times please expect a delay.
Please ask a member of staff for allergen information or if you have any specific dietary requirements

DF – Dairy Free, GF - Gluten Free, V – Vegetarian, VE - Vegan
"
The service was awesome, nothing was too much trouble and the attention to detail was astounding. In my book they get 20 out of 10!

Booking With Us

We can host and tailor make any type of function you may require from sit down corporate functions to more relaxed Birthday buffets.

Due to the pub layout and the eclectic mix of tables sizes, it is impossible to operate any type of online booking feature.

Should you wish to dine with us, please contact us on 01304 213 066

The White Horse in the Press

Our Suppliers

All of our produce is locally sourced from these sterling people

Meet the Staff

Have a question?

Contact Us Now

Please call us on 01304 213066 during our opening hours