A Surrey pub steeped in history has re-opened after a whopping £4 million refurbishment. The White Horse in Dorking has opened its doors today (26 February). The pub historically counted Charles Dickens and Jane Austen as customers.
The historic Grade II-listed building, located on Dorking ’s high street, now has a sheltered courtyard for outdoor dining. All are welcome with bike racks for cyclists and a dedicated dog shower for muddy paws. Even some of the rooms are dog friendly and there is a ‘stick library’ – allowing pets to select their favourite stick to chew on from a collection picked up from the nearby countryside.
Believed to be one of England’s oldest coaching inns, the White Horse is now home to 56 rooms and a cosy,100 seat pub serving hearty food. Head chef Ganesh Devadiga’s seasonal menu aims to elevate the traditional British Pub grub and serves items like St Austell’s beef and ale pie.
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Guests can stay in a range of rooms, from a ‘Snug’ room (starting at £100 per night) to a ‘Really Fancy’ room, starting from £149 per night for a midweek stay. Each room has its own design but they all feature rainfall showers, coffee machines, all-natural Bramley bathroom products. Guests can expect personal touches in Heartwood’s signature warm style, such as home-baked treats on arrival.
Travelling families will find rooms to suit equipped with trundle beds and activity packs to keep kids busy. In the pub guests, and customers, can make use of book swap.
Richard Ferrier, CEO at Heartwood Collection, said of the opening: “We’ve taken incredible care when restoring this important building; it dates back to the 13th century and is believed to be where Dickens wrote his first ever novel, the Pickwick Papers.
“We know it’s a cherished local pub on the high street, so it was hugely important to us to do it justice. We hope people in Dorking and beyond will fall in love with it all over again once they come and get settled in for a Sunday roast, a pint or a stay.”
To celebrate the opening the pub is hosting a week of activities to commemorate the inn’s history and new future. This includes pup portraits for dog parents with a photographer, wine tasting with local vineyard Denbies, gin sampling with Dorking-based Silent Pool Gin, live music, and more.
The official launch party will certainly make an impact. Monday February, 26, will see a coach and white horses travel the streets of Dorking and guests serenaded by a Victorian choir.
Now operated by the Heartwood Collection, The White Horse is the group’s first pub with rooms. Heartwood Collection has been awarded a three-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association in recognition of its commitment to sustainable cooking using seasonal ingredients and trusted, caring suppliers. Heartwood has already confirmed four other pubs with rooms sites are to open in 2024. These are: The Rope & Anchor, Emsworth – summer 2024, The Coat & Bear, Newbury – summer 2024, The White Hart, Lewes – autumn 2024 and The Royal Forest, Epping Forest – autumn 2024.
Bookings are now open for room and dining reservations. Visit the website to book a visit.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
