THE HISTORY
Our History
Said to have been erected in the reign of Edward III in 1365 the premises was occupied by the Verger of St. James’ Church which stood next door. With the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the house was no longer connected with the Church.
In 1574 it became home to a string of ‘Ale Tasters of Dover’ residents. The White Horse has been known as ‘The City of Edinburgh’ from 1635, its name and sign having been taken from a wrecked American freighter.
It became the meeting place for Actors & Players from the Dover Theatre in the 18th Century. The name changed around 1818 when the house was frequently used for inquests, often relating to bodies recovered from the sea. These are said to have been stored in what is now our dining area to the rear of the property.
In 1865 a Mr. John Friend sold the house along with ‘The Five Alls’ . Satchell was the owner in 1818 when the property was sold again to Kingsford Brothers for the princely sum of £870.00; it was described as ‘a freehold property in the Hamlet of Uphill’. Later its ownership went to George Beer who began opening at 5am in 1890 and later merged with Fremlins Brewery.
Alterations to the White Horse in 1952 uncovered a programme for Dover Theatre dated 1809 advertising Harlequin & Mother Goose. This is still displayed in the pub today.
- Dover's oldest pub (1365)
- Award-winning cask ales
- Diverse drinks selection
- Baked Stone Pizza Special Tuesday
- Home-cooked meals Wednesday to Sunday
Features
Historic Pub
The White Horse, est. c.1365. Award-winning cask ales, 40+ gins, fine wines, home-cooked meals. Reservations recommended.
Outdoor Seating
Enjoy a drink or meal in our charming outdoor seating area, a refreshing choice for warm days in Dover.
Family-Friendly Environment
Highchairs are available, ensuring a comfortable experience for families with little ones.
Exceptional Drink Selection
Our full bar offers award-winning cask ales, premium wines, Guinness, ciders, and over 40 gins, each served to perfection.
Free WiFi
Stay connected while relaxing at Dover’s oldest pub with complimentary WiFi throughout our space.
Reservations
To ensure you enjoy your time with us without the wait, we highly recommend reserving a table, especially for weekends or Sunday Roast.
Attentive Table Service
Our team provides friendly and efficient table service, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the pub’s ambiance.
Gluten Free Options
At The White Horse, we’re expanding our menu to include gluten-free options, ensuring delicious choices for all dietary needs.
Vegetarian friendly
At The White Horse, we’re proudly vegetarian-friendly, offering delightful meat-free options crafted with the same care as our traditional dishes.
Wine & Beer
Discover an expanded selection of fine wines and craft beers at The White Horse, perfectly curated for every taste and occasion.
Vegan Options
Discover delightful vegan options crafted with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, providing an inclusive dining experience at The White Horse.
Accepts Credit Card
We accept credit cards, debit cards, cash and contactless payments but unfortunately do not accept American Express Cards.
Full Bar
Our full bar will feature premium spirits, expertly crafted cocktails, and a curated selection of local and international favorites.