Pub of the Week: White Horse, Church Fenton

Once a pivotal part of village life, the pub was renowned not just for drinking but had a significant emphasis on sports of all kinds. Sadly, it closed in 2016.
But the community got very busy, raised the money to buy it and then leased it out to professional operators. A massive refurb followed, and what a seismic change has taken place.
The pub is now unrecognisable with its clean, modern look. There is a significant emphasis on food with a couple of massive dining rooms, a huge outdoor space where once there was a car park, and not a whiff of sports of any kind. But, like that or not, this place is now a thriving hub of the village.
The “snug”, as they call the bar, is remarkably cosy in its modernism. There are hand pumps which change based on their popularity; on our visit, there was Hobgoblin, Timothy Taylors Landlord, Jennings Cumberland, 20 wines by the glass and everything else you could want.
But food leads here; even its website has only food menus on it. The food looks good, and the dining rooms are full, and the atmosphere lively.
In its former guise, the White Horse failed, but this is working. So, spend time mourning the passing of a grand old pub or celebrate the new? You choose.
The White Horse, Main Street, Church Fenton, Tadcaster, LS24 9RF. Tel: 01937 558 777. Bar: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12-10.30pm, Friday to Saturday, 12pm-midnight.

About The Author

Elaine Lemm

Following a successful career as a chef and restaurateur, Yorkshire's Elaine Lemm is a highly respected food and drink writer and recently voted one of the top 50 in the UK. Elaine is a member of the Guild of Food Writers and author of three books,The Great Book of Yorkshire Pudding, The Great Book of Rhubarb and The Great Book of Tea.

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