Business Details
Your Local Gastropub in Harpenden
The White Horse is a historic gastropub located in Hatching Green, Harpenden, offering fresh, seasonal cuisine and carefully curated drinks. Established as part of the Peach Pubs collection, we pride ourselves on sourcing ingredients ethically from British farmers and producers who share our commitment to sustainability. Our team, led by experienced hospitality professionals, delivers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a focus on quality and community.Recognised for our efforts, we received the 2022 Best Sustainable Pub Company award and hold a three-star accreditation from the Sustainable Restaurant Association. We are dedicated to making every visit memorable through exceptional service, innovative menus, and a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility.
Services
Gastropub Dining
Seasonal Menus
Ethical Sourcing
Sustainable Practices
Local Community Support
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in ethical hospitality.
- Our menus feature ethically sourced, seasonal British ingredients.
- Awarded Best Sustainable Pub Company in 2022.
- Three-star accreditation from the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
- Dedicated to supporting local communities and environmental causes.
Associations and certifications
- Sustainable Restaurant Association
What people say
Top-notch roast
Award-winning wine
Friendly welcome
Ethical sourcing
Beautiful views
Services
Gastropub Dining
Our gastropub dining experience focuses on fresh, seasonal British ingredients prepared by skilled chefs. Dishes highlight ethical sourcing, with options for meat, fish, and plant-based diets. The menu changes regularly to reflect local produce and culinary creativity.
Seasonal Menus
Seasonal menus showcase the best of British produce, from spring asparagus to autumn game. Each dish is crafted to reflect ingredient quality and sustainability, ensuring a dynamic dining experience that evolves with the seasons.
Ethical Sourcing
We partner with British farmers and producers committed to ethical practices. This includes free-range meat, sustainably farmed fish, and locally sourced vegetables, ensuring every meal supports environmental and community well-being.
Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is central to our operations, from reducing food waste to eco-friendly packaging. Accredited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association, we actively minimise our environmental impact while maintaining high service standards.
Local Community Support
We actively support local charities and initiatives, including FoodCycle, to combat loneliness and food waste. Through partnerships and fundraising, we aim to strengthen community ties and promote social responsibility.
People
Bronte Bell-Ward
General Manager
Bronte joined Peach Pubs in 2015 and progressed from bartender to General Manager at The White Horse. With a passion for hospitality and a WSET Level 2 qualification, she brings expertise and enthusiasm to her role.
Rob Button
Head Chef
Rob began his culinary career at 15 and joined Peach Pubs after recognising its ethical values. As Head Chef, he focuses on creating dishes that highlight sustainable, high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted producers.
Jonathan Taylor
POD Director
With a career spanning hospitality and management, Jonathan oversees operations at The White Horse. His dedication to quality and sustainability drives his leadership, ensuring alignment with Peach Pubs' core values.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We are open Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, and Sun 10am-9pm.
Do you serve food all day?
Yes, we serve food daily from 10am, with last orders varying by day.
Are you committed to sustainability?
Yes, we hold a three-star accreditation from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and prioritise ethical sourcing.
Can I book a table?
Yes, bookings can be made via our website or by calling 01582 469290.
Do you support local charities?
Yes, we partner with FoodCycle to address food waste and support local communities.
Reviews (6)
M. Prince
Jan 25, 2022
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We made a last minute decision to go to the White Horse having not been for a very long time. It was lovely on a freezing cold night to walk into a warm and cosy atmosphere. The staff were great, we needed a well lit table and they were very happy to accommodate this request. Comfort food was the order of the night and the beef pie really hit the spot.
David Simkins
Jan 22, 2022
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I hadnt visited here for maybe 10 years but dropped by for a drink and a rest while out on a Sunday afternoon country walk. Pleased to see that the traditional frontage of the pub remains relatively unchanged, as does the small, attractive bar area. Only two ales on offer at the time but my Greene King IPA was good and the staff were friendly. For the past 15 years this place has focused upon being a gastropub rather than a locals place, but nevertheless it manages both reasonably well. In addition to the main restaurant at the back there is also a dining room off the bar area where dogs
Ms. Hammond Uk
Jan 21, 2022
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I agree with one of the person that commented.i paid 8.50 for a sandwhich: it was so tiny and there was only one slice ! ..I was so hungry and starving ..I had to then go tesco and buy actual sandwich.. customer service was great and it was clean but your prices are way too steep for one slice of sourdough bread
Dominique Kerlake
Jan 07, 2022
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Been meaning to pop in here for a while and what a treat it was that we did today!
Sat outside, were given blankets, hot water bottles, outdoor heaters to make our "stay" more pleasant in this ghastly weather!!! The mulled wine on its own is WELL WORTH the visit. The food is exceptional and the menu will leave you coming back many more times as the choices are great! Definitely something for everyone and the best is the PROPER cater for the Gluten Free!! Service is beyond fantastic!!! Make your way over, you won't be disappointed.
Also... Dogs welcome, I mean... what more can one ask!!!!
Sat outside, were given blankets, hot water bottles, outdoor heaters to make our "stay" more pleasant in this ghastly weather!!! The mulled wine on its own is WELL WORTH the visit. The food is exceptional and the menu will leave you coming back many more times as the choices are great! Definitely something for everyone and the best is the PROPER cater for the Gluten Free!! Service is beyond fantastic!!! Make your way over, you won't be disappointed.
Also... Dogs welcome, I mean... what more can one ask!!!!
Igor
Dec 22, 2021
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Good gastropub overall and experience was positive. Food generally tasty and well made. Prices quite steep for relatively small portions.
Baked camembert spot on with crusty bread, King prawns disappointing with just 4 prawns on a bit of salad, steak was medium rare and was not asked when ordering how I wanted it, which was a let down. Nevertheless flavour was good. Turkey tasted slightly funny. Dessert chocolate cheesecake was excellent. Service was quite slow but friendly.
Baked camembert spot on with crusty bread, King prawns disappointing with just 4 prawns on a bit of salad, steak was medium rare and was not asked when ordering how I wanted it, which was a let down. Nevertheless flavour was good. Turkey tasted slightly funny. Dessert chocolate cheesecake was excellent. Service was quite slow but friendly.
Amber Lavender
Oct 23, 2021
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Normally love the white horse never had an issue but today was different. My friend booked a table for 2 adults and 2 children. On arrival we were seated at a high table with 1, 5 year old ( fine) and an 18 month old. High chairs were too small to reach the height of the table we were sat at. When I asked if a high chair was available was told oh no sorry. Not offered another table when there was one clearly available behind me. Food was also very average. Children's roasts were for me personally a terrible selection of vegetables and both were served different veg. Potatoes were so dry and the
