The White Horse Inn, West Sussex

Overview

In a sleepy village tucked beneath the South Downs amid a maze of narrow lanes, this 250-year-old pub has been transformed into a stylish modern country inn following extensive refurbishment.

Hunker down beside one of the log fires following an invigorating walk or head for the sun trap rear terrace for summer alfresco sipping. Stay a couple of nights and stroll to nearby Bignor Roman Villa, then stride out across the South Downs (just behind the pub), or head to Petworth to hunt for antiques.

Also, being so handy for polo at Cowdray Park and racing at Goodwood, it's a peaceful retreat for good food and comfortable rooms at the end of a hard day's entertainment.

Rooms from

8 doubles/twin: £130-£230

Good to know

Major credit cards accepted (not Amex)
Alfresco dining
Parking available
Dogs welcome overnight (Garden Rooms)

Family favourite

Two rooms interconnect to provide flexible family accommodation and children are made very welcome.

Dog-friendly

With the proximity of the Souths Downs and some great walking, the three garden rooms can each accommodate up to two well-behaved dogs.

Rooms

Smartly upgraded country-chic rooms split between the inn and three fabulous garden rooms are named after racehorses, inspired by the owner's passion for horse racing and the pub's proximity to Goodwood Racecourse.

Beds are hand crafted in Devon and filled with hand-teased Dartmoor Wool and dried lavender, whilst the 400-thread count bed linen ensure a great night's sleep. Expect, also, pastel hues, rich fabrics and colourful throws, big lamps, gun safes, bespoke wooden furnishings and cosy tiled bathrooms with under floor heating, big walk-in showers or shower over baths, and Noble Isles toiletries.

The two garden lodge rooms interconnect so are perfect for family stays. Dante Garden Lodge is very secluded and a peaceful romantic hideaway, offering starry views of the night sky through skylights from the comfort of your bed or on the private outdoor seating area..

Restaurant & bar

Chef Ben Miller makes sound use of seasonal produce from local suppliers, including South Downs Venison & Game in Duncton and shorthorn beef from Knepp Castle and Goodwood Estate, to create imaginative and good value classic British dishes with a modern twist.

In addition, fresh fish comes from Brighton & Newhaven Fish day boats, free range hens' eggs from nearby Hallgate Farm and vine tomatoes from Nutbourne Nursery, so the pub larder is stocked daily with local, high quality ingredients.

Typically, start with mussels in a creamy leek, cider and bacon broth served with fries, or spiced sweet potato soup, then tuck into venison loin with braised shoulder, creamed celeriac and rhubarb chutney, or fillet of bream with chilli and spring onion sauce. Puddings may include burnt Catalan style cheesecake with toffee sauce.

Hand pumps on the fine oak bar in the smart bar-cum-dining room dispense the likes of local Langham Hip-Hop and Arundel Stronghold ales. Interesting wine list - 15 by the glass.