White Horse

Above postcard, circa 1907, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Showing the pub in its livery as a tied house, within the estate of Nalder & Collyer's Croydon Brewery.

Above postcard, circa 1908, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard, circa 1909, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, circa 1913, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, postcard 1929, kindly send by Rory Kehoe.

Above photo, 2016.

From the https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com 28 August, 2018.

Kent duo add White Horse, Sundridge to their portfolio.

White Horse, Sundridge. Father and son take over the running of the pub, Simon Barton (father) and Dan Barton (son).

Father and son, Simon and Dan Barton, have taken on their first Star Pubs & Bars site, the White Horse in Sundridge. It is the second in what they intend will become a portfolio of 10 top quality Kent based gastro pubs, trading as the Liquor Box and Pantry Ltd.

Attracted by the pub’s potential and the absence of a similar individual gastro pub in the immediate vicinity, the duo plans to repeat the success they’ve achieved at their other pub, the Royal Oak in New Ash Green, where they won a best turnaround pub award at the start of the year.

They’ve reopened The White Horse, which had been closed for a couple of months. In October, a joint £150k refurbishment is scheduled with Star Pubs & Bars, bringing the pub into the 21st century, creating a modern country style pub. Features like fireplaces, wood panelling and exposed brick walls will be restored and retained with the rest of the interior redecorated and upgraded in warm earthy tones, softening the pub’s overall appearance. Painted beams will brighten rooms whilst deep buttoned chairs and benches will enhance customer comfort. Outside the pub will be completely redecorated, including having new signage and lighting and seating for 100 drinkers and diners. A new permanent barbecue area is also being installed.

Simon and Dan’s plans for the pub include introducing craft beer and real ales from the Kent area, a menu of up to 15 gins as well as an extensive wine list and premium lagers and ciders.

Wherever possible, they are sourcing ingredients from the locality supporting local businesses and giving customers great quality fresh food. Meat is supplied by nearby Chart Farm and fresh fish delivered daily from Griggs of Hythe. There are dishes for all tastes and affordability, from for a classic sausage n mash to a Tomahawk steak to share. Typical dishes will include: the pub’s very popular KFC…Kickin’ Korean fried chicken wings with sesame seeds & spring onion; Slow roasted fennel & Cardamom pork Belly with cider, sourcream, tarragon & chestnut mushroom sauce and colcacannon; Pan roasted Atlantic skate, samphire lemon butter, Lilliput capers and Baby Potatoes and Chart Farm Venison steak, local blackberry & port sauce with dauphinoise potato.

Simon and Dan will be creating 25 new jobs at the White Horse, similar to what they created at their first pub.

Both started out as chefs and between them they have a total of 50 years managing businesses from fine dining, country destination to High Street pubs.

As well as their two pubs, their company, Liquor Box and Pantry Ltd., puts on hog roasts, street food stalls and pop-up bars at food events and at private functions.

Dan Barton said: “Our approach is to create a family friendly ‘real’ English pub that is the beating heart of the community. We’re passionate about providing the very best in hospitality from the quality of food and drink to the product knowledge of the staff.”

Simon Barton added: “Having worked for others for many years, three years ago Dan and I decided it was time to team up and work for ourselves. It’s been fantastic. We complement each other. It’s also been great working with Star Pubs & Bars. The professionalism shown throughout has been superb, making the transition into the pub and the reopening smooth and problem free. We look forward to working with them at the White Horse and in the future helping to grow our estate.”

Dugald Macer, Star Pubs & Bars operations director said: “Simon and Dan are a great team. They’ve got lots of experience and a real passion for what they do. Their approach and the plans for the White Horse, will result in a fantastic pub for the local community and wider area. We wish them every success and look forward to working with them to help them realise their dream.”