It’s been just eighteen months since Everly Hotels Collection relaunched The White Horses in Rottingdean, transforming it into The White Horses, a subtle name change that hints at the white-crested waves visible from the terrace, with a distinct lack of road in front (quite a rarity along our coast). Behind that modest “s” lies a far greater reinvention.
Once a tired, generic pub, it’s now a stylish boutique destination for food, drink and exquisite décor – all within a short bus ride from Brighton.
‘The Spirit of the Neighbourhood’
The bar team have created a drinks list that celebrates Sussex at its best. Brighton Gin meets Bolney Wine Estate Bacchus; Hove’s Madame Jennifer Vodka sits alongside Goldstone Rum. Each season, a new local producer is featured, and the star-marked menu highlighting them adds a nice touch. We chuffed down The Sussex – Brighton Gin, lime juice and Sussex sparkling wine – and the Goldstone Rum Mojito, both of which set a tantalising tone.
Autumnal Plates
Head chef Nikki Prior’s new menu captures the essence of autumn with locally sourced ingredients and beautifully balanced flavours. The Roasted Cauliflower & Butterbean Soup – enriched with roasted chestnuts, crispy capers and sage oil – is comfort in a bowl, while the Warm Heritage Beetroot Salad with pickled mushrooms, vegan feta and blackberry vinaigrette proves that salads can hold their own in cooler months.
A must-order side is the Warm Guinness Soda Bread with burnt leek and miso butter: dark, aromatic and irresistibly good, especially when paired with the soup.
Among the mains, the Roast Chicken Kiev delivers golden, garlicky indulgence with tarragon Pommes Anna and black truffle oil, while the Slow Braised Short-Rib Pie, served with horseradish mash and maple-glazed carrots, is a standout – served with a rich, glossy and deeply satisfying gravy and utterly Instagrammable poking-out bone.
If you cleverly leave room for pud, the warm ginger and cinnamon mixed fruit sponge is a chef’s seasonal kiss.
Book a table in the glass conservatory for panoramic sea views, a relaxed, elegant atmosphere and, if you’re lucky, sink-into seats. And if you’re lucky enough to encounter Patrick, the ever-smiling team leader, you’ll see why the service is as warm as the welcome.
