Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-09.jpg" alt="The White Horse in Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-53498" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-09.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-09-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-09-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-09-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-09-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Perfectly positioned in the middle of Dorking&#8217;s High Street, this historic gastropub with rooms could tell a story or two if only those walls could talk. It&#8217;s been through several reincarnations in recent years, and in February 2024 reopened under the Heartwood Inns Collection banner following a multimillion-pound revamp.  </p>



<p>It was the first pub with rooms for Heartwood Inns (formerly Raymond Blanc&#8217;s White Brasserie Company) and the ninth Surrey pub in the collection. It siblings include The Black Horse in Reigate, The March Hare in Guildford and The Cricketers in Cobham.</p>



<p>An historic coaching inn, The White Horse dates back to the 13th century in parts and has a rich history. Many a noteworthy guest has laid their head on the White Horse pillows including Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. Dickens, in fact, was rather taken with the place and wrote some of his first novel <em>The Pickwick Papers </em>while staying here during the mid 19th century.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-01.jpg" alt="The White Horse in Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-53493" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-01.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-01-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-01-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-01-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-01-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The White Horse is a big pub that seems to amble along forever with several interconnected rooms and lots of nooks. Heartwood have taken the Grade II-listed inn back to is more traditional origins, reinstating the bar and lounge near the main front entrance.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s a deliciously cosy area with low timber beams, a roaring fire (on cool days), armchairs and chesterfields, and ambient lamp lighting. An impressive staircase winds up to the bedrooms, and there are several cosy nooks &#8211; perfect for curling up with a book and a glass of Malbec. </p>



<p>The dining rooms are on the other side of the bar, another series of interconnected spaces, each with its own style whilst melding with the spaces around it.</p>



<p>It&#8217;s beautifully decorated &#8211; fun, stylish and totally chilled. Walls are daubed in an assortment of heritage colours &#8211; pretty muted pinks, dark sea blues and sage greens &#8211; with striking artwork. There&#8217;s a nod to the inn&#8217;s connection to Dickens with references are dotted around, including Dickensian prints and portraits on the walls, and a book-swap library.</p>



<p>Outside there&#8217;s a sheltered courtyard terrace, perfectly positioned away from the bustle of Dorking&#8217;s vibrant high street and bathed in the afternoon sunshine.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-73.jpeg" alt="Food at The White Horse, Dorking." class="wp-image-54052" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-73.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-73-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-73-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-73-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-73-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>When you look at the menu, you have my permission to get excited. It&#8217;s crowd-pleasing elevated pub classics with a gastro twist. Menus are seasonal with a hint of French influence. Service is friendly, and everything ticks along exactly like a smart gastropub should.</p>



<p>We were here on a Thursday evening and it was busy but not packed to the rafters. Having arrived mid-afternoon we&#8217;d already soaked up some sun (and an Aperol Spritz) in the courtyard, so I was ready for some delicious nosh.</p>



<p>I&#8217;m a fan of seafood, and the spring menu doesn&#8217;t disappoint. To start, I chose the Chalk Stream trout tartare with rye bread, pickled radish and trout caviar. Inspired, Mr M chose the same. It was perfect! Beautifully presented and fresh, with delicate flavours. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-68.jpeg" alt="Food at The White Horse, Dorking." class="wp-image-54051" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-68.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-68-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-68-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-68-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-68-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains? I stayed true to my love of seafood and chose the grilled king prawns. Mr M moved to the land and went for a steak from the daily specials board. </p>



<p>But let&#8217;s talk prawns because they were damn fine. They were full of flavour and delicious. They came served with a black rice and prawn bisque with peas, broad beans, piquillo peppers. If I was to give marks out of 10, it would be 10.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-77.jpeg" alt="Food at The White Horse, Dorking." class="wp-image-54053" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-77.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-77-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-77-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-77-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-77-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The steak though, is also worthy of mention. It was perfectly cooked, drizzled in Mr M&#8217;s chosen peppercorn sauce, and served with chips, salad and a garlic tomato.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-81.jpeg" alt="Food at The White Horse, Dorking." class="wp-image-54054" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-81.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-81-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-81-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-81-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-81-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Who fancies dessert? Not gonna lie, I had my eye on the cheese, but was distracted by the pistachio soufflé. The only way to have both (without being a total piggie) was to share. So that&#8217;s what we did. Excellent choice &#8211; that pistachio soufflé really is something else. And who doesn&#8217;t love ending with cheese, crackers and chutneys? Oh, and a glass of Malbec?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay"><strong>STAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="985" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-53.jpeg" alt="The White Horse, Dorking" class="wp-image-54050" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-53.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-53-800x525.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-53-1000x657.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-53-400x263.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/The-White-Horse-Dorking-53-768x504.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>There are 56 beautifully designed bedrooms here ranging from a &#8216;Snug&#8217;&nbsp;to &#8216;Really Fancy&#8217;.&nbsp;Wherever you lay your head, you&#8217;ll be treated to home-baked goodies (raspberry macaroons, Paris-Brest and Neapolitan nougat), Roberts radios, rainfall showers and indulgent Bramley toiletries. There are family-friendly rooms as well as dog-friendly rooms. </p>



<p>My Really Fancy bedroom was gloriously spacious with a large ensuite bathroom that had a large walk-in shower and a roll-top bathtub. The superking bed was one of the most comfortable I&#8217;ve slept in.</p>



<p>But let&#8217;s talk style. If you&#8217;re not drooling over these interiors people, you clearly have zero taste. Sumptuous headboards, plush pillows, armchairs and ottomans all decked out in beautiful print fabrics &#8211; different and yet harmoniously coordinated. The wall colours mimic those downstairs &#8211; my room was a calming pale pink, but others are coated in sage green, soft corals and deep sea green.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>There are family-friendly bedrooms, menus dedicated to small people and children all receive a kids&#8217; pack with activities to keep them inspired and entertained. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-dogs-too"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="937" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-07.jpg" alt="The White Horse in Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-53497" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-07.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-07-800x500.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-07-1000x625.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-07-400x250.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-07-768x480.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>They LOVE dogs at The White Horse. As well as 14 dog-friendly rooms, there&#8217;s a Bramley Digby Dog pack that includes dog shampoo, a dedicated dog bath and shower, and a stick library. Rooms can accommodate up to two dogs, and the cost is £20 per stay. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disability-access"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>There are two accessible rooms, both located on the ground floor of the annexe, next to the historic coaching inn. Both have space for cots and both also have pull out bed for children. There&#8217;s an en-suite wet room and all accessible bathrooms have handrails, low level facilities and plenty of room to make mobility as easy as possible.</p>



<p>Inside the main part of the inn, there is level access around the bar, restaurant and to the accessible toilet. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/Box-Hill-©National-Trust-Images_John-Miller.jpg" alt="Box Hill in Surrey." class="wp-image-54055" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/Box-Hill-©National-Trust-Images_John-Miller.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/Box-Hill-©National-Trust-Images_John-Miller-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/Box-Hill-©National-Trust-Images_John-Miller-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/Box-Hill-©National-Trust-Images_John-Miller-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/05/Box-Hill-©National-Trust-Images_John-Miller-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A view from Box Hill. <em>Picture credit: John Miller / National Trust.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Dorking is a gorgeous market town packed with independent shops including lots of antique centres and vintage shops. Read our guide to Dorking&nbsp;<a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/tourist-guide-dorking-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/denbies-wine-estate-dorking/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denbies Wine Estate</a> is just outside Dorking, and there&#8217;s plenty to see and do there including vineyard tours and tastings.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/box-hill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Box Hill</a>&nbsp;is also close by &#8211; and for those who love cycling, The White Horse has bike storage. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-04.jpg" alt="The White Horse in Dorking, Surrey." class="wp-image-53495" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-04.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-04-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-04-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-04-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2024/04/The-White-Horse-Dorking-04-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Weekend breaks, romantic trysts, family breaks, getaways with dogs, cycling and walking breaks.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> This is an historic inn brimming with character and charm. If you love super sleek and modern, it might not be your cup of tea.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Rooms are from £99 per night. In the restaurant, starters are from £7.25-£9.95; mains from £14.50-£22.50. An 8oz sirloin steak is £28.50, a 7oz filet steak is £31.50 and a Chateaubriand for two is £63. Dessert is from £5.95 for ice-cream to £12.50 for the cheeseboard.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://whitehorsedorking.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The White Horse</a>, High Street, Dorking RH4 1BE. Tel: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=The+white+horse%2C+dorking&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB906GB906&amp;oq=the+white+horse%2C+dorking&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MhYIARAuGK8BGMcBGIAEGI4FGJgFGJkFMgYIAhAjGCcyBwgDEAAYgAQyBwgEEAAYgAQyBwgFEAAYgAQyBggGEEUYPDIGCAcQRRg80gEIMjkxNGowajeoAgiwAgE&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">01306 881138</a></em></strong></p>


Review: The White Horse, Dorking

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