White Horse

Opened-up country inn, contemporary creamy décor and attractive furniture, real ales and good wines by the glass, modern food; smart bedrooms

In a quiet little hamlet not far from Bignor Roman villa, this refurbished country inn is doing well under its newish owners. Our most recent visit found several locals enjoying a pint on the cushioned high bar chairs, and plenty of diners enjoying the good, interesting modern bar food. The bar has a couple of little open brick fireplaces each end, nightlight candles on mantelpieces, Harveys Best, Sharps Doom Bar and a guest like Adnams on handpump, good wines by the glass, and friendly service. The wooden-topped island servery separates the bar from the two-room barrel-vaulted dining areas (coir carpeting here), and throughout the minimalist décor is a contemporary clotted cream colour, with modern hardwood chairs and tables on stripped wood, and a few small photographs; there's another little log fire, church candles, and fresh flowers. Stairs from the back go up to a couple of big wooden tables by the sizeable air vent, and more steps up to a lawned area with plenty of picnic-sets; there are more seats out in front. Good nearby walks (packed lunches on request); we haven't yet heard from readers using the smart comfortable bedrooms, but would expect them to deserve our Stay Award.

Popular modern bar food includes lunchtime sandwiches, soup and simpler dishes such as a half pint or pint of prawns, pork and sage sausages and mash, platters of italian meats or english cheeses, and substantial salads; main courses from the full menu such as halibut with duchess potato, rib-eye steak, confit of duck, or sunblush tomato and goats cheese soufflé; puddings such as triple chocolate brownie or sticky toffee pudding. Unusual home-made ice-creams might include chocolate cookie or liquorice with sambucca syrup.