Meet The Member - Bronte Bell-Ward, The White Horse
The White Horse, Harpenden
We chatted to our member Bronte, the General Manager at The White Horse in Harpenden about what makes their pub so special.
Hi Bronte, we are big fans of The White Horse in Harpenden and are thrilled you are one of our community members! The building itself is incredible, a seventeenth century building that was at one time reportedly, John Seabrook’s ‘mansion house’. Do you know when it first became a pub?
Hey! The 1861 census lists lists Joseph Matthews as ‘carrier and victualler’ which seems to be the first mention of it as a pub, though many believe it was much earlier!
Aside from the obvious appeal of the building itself, what do you think is special about The White Horse?
I think the thing about the White horse that stands out the most is our people. We have an incredible set of loyal guests and a team with fantastic retention which really make our pub the community hub it is. Nothing makes me feel prouder than getting amazing feedback about our team, some of which have been with us since they were 16 and are now finishing off their Uni degrees!
The food at pubs is of the utmost importance these days. You offer delicious seasonal fare. Can you tell us a bit more about your menu?
We change our Menu every season to serve what’s seasonal, fresh, and attractive to our guests. We always serve the good stuff. It’s one of our most dearly held values. We only serve what we want to eat and drink ourselves. For decades, we have sought out the very best food and drink suppliers and premium prices to not compromise any of values, including a diligent eye on our carbon footprint and food waste.
You have a gorgeous beer garden. Can people book a table outside at The White Horse?
Outside under our covered terrace we have a lovely stretch tent which can be booked online, over the phone or directly with our friendly team. Our Secret Garden and all other outside tables are first come, first served but we firmly believe “Everybody Eats, it’s just a matter of when!” So, while we recommend booking, especially on busy days we love to welcome everyone!
Are children and dogs welcome at the pub?
Most heartily! We have a children’s menu and are dog friendly outside and, in our bar, and snug! We have colouring for children and treats and water for dogs!
People might not realise that The White Horse is part of the Peach Pubs Group. Where can customers find other Peach Pubs in the UK?
Peach is a group of really great pubs, in market towns and villages across the heart of England. We serve good quality, fresh, honest food, and drink in smart, relaxed, welcoming surroundings. All our pubs follow our values and ethos while all being individual in their own right! Here’s a link to all our other fabulous pubs! Find Our Pubs - Peach Pubs
Peach Pubs have an app – why is it beneficial for pub-goers to download and use it when they visit The White Horse?
You’ll receive Peach Pounds every time you spend. There’s also the occasional gift, you’ll hear first about our new menus and events, and receive personalised treats, just for being a Peach Pubs Member. You don’t have to order using the app, just check in and let us know, or view your bill so we can track you spend. You’ll receive Peach Pounds on every visit, the more you stop by, the more you’ll earn. Our new-look app also makes it easier to navigate, pay or split your bill, leave feedback, buy a voucher, or see what current career opportunities we have.
What’s on the horizon for The White Horse?
We’re all about growing as a business, we have big plans in place to extend our lovely pub and create even more areas for guest to enjoy a meal, drink or even just a coffee. We’re also now heading into Autumn and Winter where some of our favourite foodie campaigns begin, with Beef wellingtons and dare I even say…. Christmas! We love hosting momentous occasions or even casual get togethers.
We’d love to know some of your favourite local haunts.
I love supporting local and we are so spoilt for choice in Harpenden! I love the Silver Cup for truly excellent food, Brad & Dills or 8oz for Coffee, Tabure or Bar Azita and I do enjoy popping into lots of the local pubs on the high street to see what’s happening.