The White Horse

The White Horse in Dorking, a historic coaching inn dating back to the 13th century, stands as a recently refurbished (February 2024) and Michelin Key Selected property offering a blend of traditional charm and modern comforts. It has undergone a multi-million-pound revamp, transforming it into a stylish gastropub with 56 en-suite rooms, making it a notable destination in the heart of Dorking.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The White Horse is overwhelmingly positive, with an "excellent" rating based on numerous guest reviews. Guests frequently praise its beautiful decoration, good food, and friendly staff. The renovated mix of old and new throughout the hotel is often highlighted as perfect for its location in quaint Dorking and the Surrey Hills.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the inviting atmosphere, the historical character fused with stylish contemporary design, and the palpable sense of coziness. The recent refurbishment by Heartwood Inns has reinstated its traditional origins with low timber beams, roaring fires (on cool days), armchairs, and Chesterfields, creating deliciously cosy areas. Its central location on Dorking's High Street is a major draw, providing easy access to the town and surrounding Surrey Hills. The design, with its assortment of heritage colors, striking artwork, and subtle nods to its connection with Charles Dickens (who wrote part of The Pickwick Papers here), contributes significantly to its charm. Amenities like free Wi-Fi, non-smoking rooms, and a well-regarded restaurant are also key highlights.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The White Horse are described as lovely, comfortable, clean, and beautifully decorated. They offer a calm ambiance, allowing guests to escape the town's hustle and bustle. Following the refurbishment, rooms are now colorful, eclectic, and luxurious in a homespun way, featuring duck down duvets and Bramley bath products for a touch of extravagance. Some suites boast huge super-king beds, lavish covers, fluffy pillows, gold velvet armchairs, and traditional roll-top baths in spacious bathrooms. The renovation has ensured modern touches and a luxurious feel, while still retaining the building's historic charm. Dog-friendly rooms are also available, complete with a dog bed and gift pack.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at The White Horse is highly praised, often described as "delicious food" and "amazing." The restaurant, known as "The Dozen," and the deli specialize in local Surrey produce, emphasizing quality and provenance. The menu features elevated pub classics with a gastro twist and a seasonal à la carte menu, along with legendary Sunday roasts with "bottomless trimmings." There's also a hint of French influence in the seasonal menus. Breakfast receives excellent feedback, with choices like avocado on toast noted as particularly good. The restaurant is busy not just with hotel residents but also with locals, a strong indicator of its quality. An extensive wine list, locally sourced ales and lagers, and expertly prepared cocktails are also available. A small delicatessen next to the restaurant offers breads, coffee, and cakes.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff are consistently lauded as "fabulous," "incredibly helpful," "friendly," "polite," and "wonderful." Guests have reported staff being genuinely friendly and flexible, offering some of the best service experienced. The attentive service in the restaurant is also highlighted.

6. Location & Accessibility

The White Horse is "perfectly positioned in the middle of Dorking's High Street." This central location makes it ideal for exploring the picturesque market town and is within walking distance of Dorking Halls. It serves as an excellent base for venturing into the renowned Surrey Hills, including attractions like Denbies Vineyard, Chessington World of Adventures, and Epsom Racecourse, all within easy reach by car. While limited parking is available on-site, a large car park is located within a few minutes' walk.

7. Value & Pricing

Rooms start from around £99 per night, with standard doubles available from £50 per night in previous years, indicating a range depending on the room type and season. Restaurant starters range from £7.25-£9.95, mains from £14.50-£22.50, and steaks from £28.50-£31.50. The cheeseboard is £12.50. Guests generally find the food delicious and "well-priced," and the value for money is rated at 8.6 out of 10.

8. Common Complaints

While overall sentiment is very positive, one isolated negative review mentioned disappointment regarding the hotel's condition and very poor service, leading to a shortened stay. However, this stands in contrast to the vast majority of positive feedback. Another minor point to note is that while the historic inn is full of character, those who prefer "super sleek and modern" aesthetics might find it not entirely to their taste. Additionally, while presentation in the restaurant with wooden boards and metal buckets was noted as "slightly overdone" in an older review, it did not overshadow the quality of the food.

Sources

1. muddystilettos.co.uk
2. luxurylifestylemag.co.uk
3. michelin.com
4. hellodorking.com
5. whitehorsedorking.com
6. booking.com
7. michelin.com
8. mummybarrow.com