The White Horse (Oxford)
The White Horse
52 Broad Street
OXFORD
OX1 3BB
Tel: +44 (0)1865 728318
The White Horse has many claims, which include being one of Oxford’s smallest, oldest and most famous pubs as well as Inspector Morse’s favourite haunts. Sir Winston Churchill and Bill Clinton are also reputed to have called The White Horse ‘their local’ when they have stayed in Oxford.
Over the years landlords come and go, and so too do the many names of Oxford’s oldest pubs. The White Horse is no exception, being first called the White Mermaid in the 1590s (at a time when the word ‘mermaid’ was a word used to denote a courtesan) and later the Jolly Volunteer.
After a restoration of Charles II in 1660, it was renamed The Elephant. Almost a hundred years later, the name of the tavern changed to the White Horse.
Steps lead down through a little door into the dark interior of the narrow wood-paneled room beyond, in a building that dates back to the 18th Century. During the rebuilding of the facade in 1951, a painted wall was discovered upstairs, and in the roof was a witch’s broomstick - superstition discouraged anyone from touching it!
Ales and Malts
The White Horse serves a selection of four cask ales including Burton, London Pride and Timothy Taylor Landlord as well as a range of four malt whiskeys such as Laphroig, Lagavulin and Highland Port. Customers can also chose from a selection of red and white wines from the wine menu.
Food
The White Horse serves traditional pub food - the menu contains the delicious Leek & Gruyere Parcel and freshly battered Fish & Chips, or you could choose something lighter, such as the Mushroom Pepperpot.