please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Well that didn't last too long. I'm glad they got out sharp as it's never good to see someone trapped in a three year tenancy waste away financially. It's back on the market as of 20th September. £19k for fixtures and fittings, rent TBA. Even £0 is too much for the place now, the wet rent and the council rats will see to that (yes the rats on this place are vermin, was £19k paid from memory, over £1.5k a month). I so wish they'd just sell the damn place, for a sensible price. The Black Horse down the road went for about £300k and is now thriving. I've heard fantasy numbers well over £1 million being bandied around as Fullers' valuation. That would justify the extortionate wet/dry rents charged, absolutely ridiculous when you assess the current potential turnover it might achieve. Currently firmly shut.
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You have your opinion as I have mine - no one is making you read it. You can always ignore posts from people who's posts you don't like. I mainly use the site as a record to where I've been - if any of the of the posts annoy you that much then you can always report them for removal.
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Multiuser strikes again. Leaving comments on pubs hes never been in. Using his many loser names. Get a life saddo.
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BITE' s most prolific poster - SM. But why does he bother going into Wetherspoons, as the resultant negative post is always the same.
Other beer drinkers don't need to know 'the back door is now closed/not the pub it once was/third rate wetherspoons'.
SM could try harder before doling out advice whilst despising our biggest and most successful pub company ever, though - by no means - perfect.
As all beer drinkers will know! Campaign at this public company's AGM - instead of constantly repeating the same criticisms here.
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That is the whole purpose of a site like this - to inform people who are travelling about. Locals get used to changes and vote with their feet by either going to or not going to a particular establishment.
Some of us do like a change and to get out and about.
This is a national (in fact international ) website providing information for people in all areas. It is useful to have input from locals but also useful to see how places treat guests so pretty much all comments are valid.
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For posters wlth the good fortune to be able to travel around - the intended purpose?
No, it's not; as these chaps usually (and feel it their duty, when on a new pub crawl), pontificate expansively on a town's hostelries - after a pint in each.
What's much more valuable are the views of regulars on their local pubs - without the ubiquitous 'pub number 4 on our tour'.
From day trippers, with too much time on their hands - saying similar things about all.
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With the greatest respect to all posters, BITE isn't the vehicle for communication between the pub/poster/legal authorities.
To the poster - please try and be constructive.
To the pub - likewise, a cutting reply only makes things worse - and spell check your response.
Let's keep this site for the purpose it was intended, to be informative for those of us that have the good fortune to be able to travel about and seek out decent pubs and decent beer.
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Reply to Jan 666
Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to review The White Horse Hertford 30th June 2018. We appreciate that your last review - The Big Red - Holloway, 31st March 2011, was clearly both thoughtful and insightful.
Thank you also for noticing that the pub is spotlessy clean. We try to be consistant at all times with pub standards, both in regards to cleaniness and condition of our beer.
We are sorry that a lot of the regulars have been made to feel unwelcome. As you can appreciate our main concern was with a small gathering who felt that it was acceptabe to try and set fire to an eldery dogs farts ( with a lighter ) on the bar. Perhaps this is something that you find amusing.
With regard to pricing, please be aware that all members of staff are fully trained on use of our till system, and are able to produce a full VAT reciept after every transaction. We do also have price lists clearly on view both sides of the bar.
We are now in the process of contacting the local council, government and business authorities regarding you concerns to drinks measures. We shall ask the relevant authorites to contact you directly through - BITE - so that you can discuss your concerns more fully.
Very best regards form all at the White Horse Hertford.
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To review saying it's spotlessly clean, that you've lost your tongue - and that the only reason to visit is a person called Jed - is of little help to anyone.
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I'm genuinely at a loss for words. These days the ONLY reason to enter this establishment is to visit Jed ( the bar man) on a Friday night.
The place is spotlessly clean but if you have no customers, it's not going to get dirty. A lot of the regulars have been made to feel unwelcome. The Landlord rarely serves a full pint and seems confused by the concept of consistent pricing. I think he may be having problems understanding how a till works.
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We shall see. The problems of running this pub continue and the fault must lie with Fullers. Obviously their contractual terms must militate against a tenant making any money out of the pub. The previous, well meaning and likeable tenants appear to have done a midnight flit. It would see that they couldn't earn a living out of the pub. Now we have the ex publican of the Sow and Pigs in Thunderidge as tenant. His claim to fame was to preside over the closure of the Sow and Pigs - a once fine pub - by running it into the ground. In its last few months it became a shadow of its former self. And now Fullers have charged him - presumably- with turning this pub into a success; or have they. . . . .?
Tewin - 28 Jun 2018 22:03 |
Row, row, row the boat, gently up shit creek.
It would seem the latest 'exceptionally experienced with Fullers' operators have thrown in the towel and seen this place for the financial cess pit it is.
How a reasonably efficient operator is meant to make a living from the place when their prize, best in show, chosen ones, can't is anyone's guess.
I wish those departing the very, vey best for the future. Hopefully Fullers will cut you a new deal whereby you stand a chance of making a living and recouping some of your losses.
For anyone else thinking of getting involved. Don't. If you've read this yet feel you are somehow different and that you've cut a deal so good you can't fail, think again. That road you might set out on is flanked by gibbets containing the remains of business plans far sharper than anything you'll come up with and their creators. I will personally pop in and call you a category 5 moron and advise you to get out while you still have a shirt on your back. It might be still there in a years time, but the bank will have a charge on it, your socks and underpants too.
You have been warned, repeatedly. Just stay the hell away. Nobody has yet lost their life over this place, statistically that's not sustainable given the extreme distress it causes to all who take it on. Fullers you should be ashamed of yourselves.
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I was slightly disappointed with the White Horse, compared with the standards of other Hertford pubs. It is a Fullers pub. But I was expecting a few more guests than just Butcombe Rare Breed. The Fullers ales were Seafarers, Pride & ESB. For a pub that is supposed to offer 10 ales, this was particularly poor. 2 Millwhites ciders are served from the fridge - Hedgelayer & Rioja Cask. I sat in the small bar to the left as you enter with a group of locals who were discussing royalty and socialism - rather entertaining. The building itself is certainly appealing inside and out. But the lack of ales felt as if the present owners were preparing for its closure.
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Well its been over 18 months now & Paul has taken the pub from stength to stength. Tapas nights each Thursday are aclaimed (he spent many years in Spain) & 10 or so & a new winter menu + Sunday Roast starts this week.
Beers are in excellent nick .. ok many from the Fullers/Gales lists, but he's getting as many as he is allowed from the Guest list (Castle Rock Harvest Pale has been the best seller for months). Plenty of music on (a folk club meets upstairs regularly).
And possibly the best proof that normal (pre shambolic time) has been restored, so has the pub; In the Good Beer Guide 2015 .....
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The White Horse is currently going very well under its recently-appointed landlord Paul. He takes a lively interest in the pub and its customers and is serving its range of ales in top form. The auspices are currently promising for this gem of a hostelry.
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Took a group of 12 for lunch on Saturday a couple of weeks ago - it was fantastic! Reading these reviews now, I realise I was quite lucky, and perhaps it won't last, so visit while it's still around.
Even though the chef hadn't turned up, the landlord managed to put on an amazing spread of tapas, with solid vegetarian options. The beers were great - a good range (maybe around 10?) and all seemed well-kept. I don't think they had anything particularly dark - an all too common disappointment - but I might be misremembering. The best thing: leaving so full we couldn't bear to eat more, and 1-2 drinks per person, cost around £10 per head. Certainly can't get that value where I'm from... Great building, too.
So my advice: if Paul's still the landlord, it's worth a visit.
drigz - 22 Aug 2013 23:25 |
I did try it again and it seems to be OK but for how long is anyone's guess. The fire was lit and Adnams was on. There is a silly high table and stools where the manky "comfy chair" used to be but I suppose it's harmless even if it does look ridiculous.
So far so good. . . But I'm not holding my breath!
Tewin - 14 May 2013 20:37 |
And Nigel still speaks fondly of you Tewin.... :-)
Chapter godknowshowmany. A New Beginning (Again) New Guy Paul now in. He's another manager, but seems to be treating the job as a bit more than that. Didn't realize that behind the scenes things were even worse that we thought. Hence the nuclear devastation that the previous poster encountered. Probably would have been best to close for a couple of days whilst the place was cleaned up , all pipes comprehensively rinsed through (had to restock on line cleaner) & the place put back into some sort of order. He's managed to get Fullers to do more to the place in a few days than they've done in the previous 3 years
There is ice , lemons, plenty of snacks & a packed cellar (should go without saying, & sad that has to be confirmed, but we are talking Fullers here) . Plans for food (imminently) Six nations on TV, Wi-Fi, local acoustic groups occasionally (Tex Arse Blues - which to be fair were brought in by previous incumbents) Again core staff retained. Result ( & these are early days) is looking hopeful.
Beer good - which to be honest is a major factor. Try it again - you may be surprised.
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Oh dear. Visited the pub last night and it was like going into a funeral parlour. There were 3 or 4 people in the right hand bar. None could speak English. A couple of lost souls in the left hand bar. The pub was bare, there was no sign of anyone serving and there appeared to be no beer!! All the beer clips were reversed. Clearly, Fullers are trying to run the place down. Either that, or they are the most incompetent owners possible. No other pub seems to have the problems of the White Horse. Such a tragedy for such a delightful pub. It is now so bad that the days of Nigel running it seem almost to have been its good days - and that's saying something!!!
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The owners must be running the pub down as last week they had no food at lunchtime either hot or cold due to the kitchen being closed..
Will it survive another year.
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The madness that is Fullers continues. They have installed a "management company" into the pub whilst they desperately look for (or as some conspiracy theorists would have it, NOT look for ) a new Tenant. That is one daft enough to be taken in by the package they are offer (See Taff's insightful comments below).
Observed from behind my paper yesterday. The "Crisp & nuts" man walked in with a delivery, to replenish the hungry locals who are still coming to the pub despite the shambolic past 4 years. The manager, (the nice guy Terry, who is with his staff, doing a sterling effort in keeping the place together & the beer & food good) contacted his management company to get the OK to pay for them & was told ....no.! They tried to keep this low key, but when you've got a rather annoyed delivery man now taking his stock back out to the van, its a bit difficult to ignore.....
It didn't take an accountant to work out that the Management Company refused a profit of @�350 plus further lost profit from the many people who may now just shrug their shoulders & march on to the Black Horse . All for a few quid on half a dozen boxes of snacks.
Stephen Lindsley-Frost is the Business Development Manager (Area Manager in old speak) responsible for the WH over the last few years & can be contacted on [email protected]. If you value this pub maybe a word of encouragement & suggestions of how to get a new long term Leasee for the benefit of the White Horse & Fullers would help. A packet of crisps (or nuts), in the post, may also be appropriate....
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The revolving door spins round. Martyn & his wife left last Tuesday, now back to a relief manager, a decent guy called Terry. It is rumoured that the Family Butchers have given him next to no money to actually run the place; they seem to have it in for the pub & it & all who use it should be punished for supposed misdominers in the past. However I tend to go for the cock-up over conspiracy theory & that the shambles of the last few years is down to sheer incompetence & greed at Fullers and if I was the Business Development Manager who had overseen 5 lessees & 2 relief managers, since Nigel left I would have considered my position some time ago. And Nigel left (approximately Taff) 3 years , 10 months, 2 days, 2 hours 35 minutes ago. Give or take.
The strange thing is that for review purposes it still serves a good pint, had very successful music night on Friday & the food is taking off again.So still, despite all that Fullers can do, well worth a visit...
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Is the pub stillopen or have Martin and his wife left after 6 months.
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The curse of the Family 'Butchers' strikes yet again with metronomic effect. Martyn was supposedly one of their finest multiple operators, yet when he supposedly signed the lease less than three weeks back, both he and his wife had full time jobs outside the pub. Makes a mockery of all this pofitable partnership nonsense. If the rent he was paying is to be believed it was less than a third charged when they bankrupted Nigel some 3 years ago. Economics still don't work. Brilliant pub, but to avoid at all costs as a business as you'll just be gouged like everyone else has been before.
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What A great shame, such a brilliant pub for 25 years, brought to its knees by the greedy owners!
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Sorry to hear Wayne the ex army type has vacated the pub for new pastures..
another new chapter for the White Horse begins.
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A big sign above the bar..Cash Only.... they wont accept credit cards so think twice before thinking of eating Apart from that the heating is non existant so wea plenty of clothing.
Beer as good as always.
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Opened again Friday nite (18/11/11). Not a bad refurb by Fullers actually which may seem strange following my previous comments . They have tried to do a sympathetic job on the place with a mind to their profits (& it is their pub for good or bad) but at least taking the views of the locals into consideration. BDM came along on the opening night & listened to the views of the locals; to be honest I think they became very aware of the strength of feeling during a weeks concerted campaign by several concerned regulars. And again to be fair to them they responded promptly to some quite heartfelt correspondence.
Some comedy cock ups with the fittings - but they have all been retained, which was a concern. And the positioning of a mirror in THE bar has to be seen to be believed. Main thing is full range of beers (inc guests) Wayne, a cheerful ex-army temp relief manager, the old staff are mostly back (hurrah) as is Jed (HURRAH!).
And as that all means next to nothing to anyone who does not use the pub on a regular basis � The Review Bit: 7/8 beers on � mostly Fullers/Gales but Liberation (Channel Islands) & a couple of other guests on over this weekend. Wayne has been actively checking what guests (from the Fullers range) we want on � made a play for Wherry yesterday. He seems to know how to keep his beers, has quickly learnt that a Lancastrian sized head on our pint is not the done thing in Hertford & has retained the wonderful Greg who is excellent as a cellar man. Kitchen is having a deep clean & will shortly be reopen � similar range of home made British (& occasionally Hungarian) grub.
All in all repeat not bad � in fact a lot better than that � Now to deal with #2 of our concerns . To find a good , long term tenant who can make a decent living from the place (with the Brewery making a fair profit)
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Is this information correct? I was there only a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday evening and everything was in magnificent form, busy, friendly and with top-quality ales served by polite, well-informed bar staff.
Has the world gone completely off its head?
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Closed.
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Its a pub without beer as George is leaving tonight.
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I can imagine a closing down sale in the next few days as George seels off the LP and ESB before Fullers take the pub back.
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To lose one landlord (leaseholder) may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose five in the space of three years smacks of arrant, incompetent stupidity.
The accountants that now run Fullers seem to have a view purely of the balance sheet & never of the actual business of running pubs. And speaking as someone who is (partly) accountancy trained , they are not even that good at the balance sheet bit. Any business worth it's salt should have some idea of the middle to long term & driving the WH into the ground for instant pennies is sheer lunacy. They�ve already priced themselves out of Hertford according to at least two other freehouse landlords of my acquaintance � even at the discounted prices they charge (The Horse as a Leasehold perversely has to pay more). It's still better value for the freehold publicans, to stock, say Doombar, rather than London Pride.
Are they trying to close it down, get planning permission for residential? The Black Horse scenario (pub across the road) would suggest that this won't happen Greene King toyed with this & ended up selling it as a free house. ; change of use is not as easy to get as it was. Sell it as a restaurant (no change of use needed)? A new Burger King in that case maybe. Or are they just happy that they have a cash cow that will keep on bringing home the bacon (mixed metaphor shurly CP) except of course it won't. People will get wise, prospective landlords will google White Horse , Hertford & find this, various other damning links to websites that will be written over the next few days & not touch it with a Barge Pole (No insult intended to Simon at the wonderful, if reassuringly expensive, Old Barge).
I've used this gem of a pub for 25 years or so. I will no doubt be drinking the last of George's beer at lunchtime with an Octogenarian who can trace his time well back to illicit pints drunk whilst he was a schoolboy at Richard Hale. All the last five leaseholders (well in one case, immediate family) are mates. I have even closer friends that were landladies, landlords, bar staff, chefs: I even married one of the barmaids (not mandatory for locals but hell..)
Taff posted above the figures & they remain lamentable reading. Fuller , Smith & Turner seem destined to destroy a wonderful Hertford institution (& the WH Public Bar on a Friday night is definitely an institution.....). Eleven years ago, after Fullers bought the place I received a letter from Michael Turner in response to one I wrote to him about the impending change of Landlord & the need to retain someone who had a �feel� for the place. He swore not to radically change the WH; they bought the pub because he loved the place, indeed he was accused of buying the place as a �vanity purchase�. Also because it sold more London Pride per footage than any of their tied estate. To be fair, at the time, was to his word. But times change. With the accountants in charge the feel is irrelevant & they assume the Pride will keep on being drunk whatever. Twats.
I am told that a �holding company� will be replacing George ; might as well put traffic wardens in charge. Rumour goes that only Pride & ESB on pump (that should be interesting when the Pride goes). Maybe just put the old thing out of it's misery rather than slow FST death.
Maybe I am being too pessimistic. A new leaseholder will come along, take the baton & run with it. Or the lottery ticket I'm about to buy will pay dividends & I can make the bloodsuckers an offer they can't refuse. But this time I'm not optimistic........
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Another one bites the dust sorry to see George go it only seems 3 months h took over the place..
Fullers will find it difficult to replace him.
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The curse of the Family Butchers strikes again. The current victim expires in two weeks time, having been mortally wounded by the rent. At least he had the sense to get out before racking up serious losses.
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New people with new ideas have taken over.
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Sorry to hear that they didnt last long did they.
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The burn and churn continues. The latest victim of the 'Family' Brewers leaves shortly.
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Probably the most attractive pub in Hertford, and that's about as good as it gets.
The beer range is limited, thanks Fullers, but what is available is of a pretty poor standard, when it is available.
Haven't tried the food, but normally complimented by those I know who have.
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It is a beautiful pub. I just wish there were more like it. it is however over-priced and I'm horrified (but not surprised) to read the economics below. I just hope the brewery doesn't destroy it. They almost did with the landlord of a few years ago who ran it into the ground.
Tewin - 23 Mar 2011 08:09 |
I went into the pub on saturday to watch the rugby. Excellent atmosphere, mediocre fuller price and landlord and customers were charming throughout. Will definitely return.
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In 11th Position in Bites top 40.
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Fullers have won the small business award for 2010 congratulations and as a shareholder for 10 years I applaud them.
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Well done Taff, you gave it a good go. And I'm sorry for you.
When oh when will these greedy-bastard brewers realise that their business model has failed. Failed completely. Even a bloody idiot can see this state of affairs cannot continue and cannot be in anybodies long-term interest, not the brewers themselves, not the tenants, nor the public's. The nett result of this much-discredited business model is an obscenely skewed playing field, between free and tied outlets, leading to a rapid turnover of publicans, leading to a declining customer base and falling beer volumes and a lowering of standards.My advice to anybody thinking of coming into this game is "DON'T". But if you must, then save up a few extra pennies before you do, and buy a freehouse. At the moment its the only way. I would suggest that the disgruntled regulars of The Horse boycott the pub for a few months until Fullers see sense. That's the only way to hurt these bastards... in the pocket.
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Priceless. In my attempt at giving effusive praise to the many excellent customers who frequent the place, I add one additional good quality they possess and reduce them to a total of two.
Let's try again...
"The staff have been brilliant and customers plentiful, thirsty and good natured. "
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Well folks, having kept the beautiful Horse in feed for over a year, I'm afraid I've had no option but to throw the towel in. The staff have been brilliant and customers have both been plentiful, thirsty and good natured.
That said I can't keep the chiselling weasels happy forever. I'm the third tenant to leave nursing a considerably bruised wallet in less than 2 years. For the next poor saps who think this is a great pub (it is, but the economics are total nonsense) I leave this simple little sum. The reason that a 'husband and wife team' are always the dream ticket are as follows. Two lots of 100 hour weeks, paid at �1 per hour if you're lucky is �200 wages. I paid �7 per hour or �1,400. 52 weeks * �1,200 = �62,400. I know that figure well. All my own fault of course, bonded slavery it used to be called. Good luck to the next folks in. Another small stat... 100k Gp at 50%, 40k rent. A bit excessive. Try 145k Gp (wet rent added from the tie), 85k rent. Goes from 40% to 58% rent. The Brooker judgement said that 35% of GP was more than adequate.
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hi Taffy,
you haven't got much choice on the prices, i see what you mean. my mate's brother has a pub with punch and he's on the point of leaving the trade. he told me about his rent and also said that 25 years ago, he was being charged 7% of the turnover. the breweries and pub co's seem to be trying to kill the trade themselves without the help of the smoking ban and recession, madness. anyway i'll be in when i'm next in town, as long as you haven't taken foghorn's advice that is. all the best
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Hi Mr Hogshead,
Bite's top 40 seems to have lost the plot recently and appears to be very easy to ambush and manipulate. There are many, very ordinary pubs at the top of the list. A recent departure seems to have been the Cask and Kitchen in Pimlico. An otherwise perfectly good establishment which is now very hard to even locate on the forum. The only way I could find it was direct via Google. The Horse was comfortably there in the Free days of yore. Hasn't a hope whilst tied I'm afraid.
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You can stand the high rent OR you can stand the blatent brewery profiteering on your buying-in prices: you cannot stand the two! The brewery have you between a rock and a hard place Taff. Best thing you can do is get out now and torch the place as you go. F**k 'em!
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Hi,
The accepted industry rental standard, which few breweries and pubcos adhere to at present, is 35% of GP.
Currently I'm paying in excess of 40% of turnover.
I think you'll find that I'm being fleeced for a hell of a lot more than few pence per pint. Therein lies the reason for thousands of bankrupt tenants, the trade churn and pubs closing down.
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hey Taffy,
visited your pub a coupla times recently. i really like the place, very homely but the eye popping price for beer!! i drink in central london on occasion and I can drink for cheaper there without even knowing the best places to go, what's goin on? it's a small market town, not covent garden. have fullers really got you hog tied? i've heard that the rents being charged are what's closing pubs these days, any truth in that? i'll still pop in when i'm in the area, but just have the one.....or two.....etc
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How I long for this pub to be in BITE'S TOP 40 pubs will this ever happen .
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Simples Mr Hogshead. Tied vs. Managed. I bet they don't pay 160 per barrel over the odds like I do yet our Pride is the same price. I'm surprised you chose to champion that establishment given the comments posted. I see it is also closed for a re-furb. Most tied leases are toxic these days. This is no different.
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Incredible a pint of Pride is now 330p a pint and ESB at 385p a pint a 40p increase on a pint I was at the Flask in Highgate last Month and it was cheaper to drink there so how can you justify higher prices than affluent London.
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Incredible a pint of Pride is now 330p a pint and ESB at 385p a pint a 40p increase on a pint I was at the Flask in Highgate last Month and it was cheaper to drink there so how can you justify higher prices than affluent London.
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Probably the 2nd best pub in Hertford the quality of beer remains high.
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Thanks for the explanation Mr Ellis,very pleased to hear that a rotating guest will be available.Always good to get a reasoned reply to a bit of constructive criticism rather than being called a merchant banker !
Happy Christmas.
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Mr Fastard, I've long been a fan of your comprehensive and well thought out views. You seem to have caught the pub at an in between barrels time. We clean our cask lines after every barrel finishes, plus we are somewhat hamstrung by Fullers decreeing that we can never have more than two firkins of any particular guest in the cellar at any one time. We have 10 hand pumps and try to have ESB, HSB, Pride, Discovery and Seafarers on at all times, also the seasonal ale (currently Jack Frost), plus our permanent guests of Adnams and Butcombe and our rotating guest (next up The Reverand James). Thank you for being such a good customer and supporter of our establishment, hopefully your next visit will see a better choice on offer.
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The ale range is now dominated by beer brewed at Fullers Chiswick brewery namely London Pride,Discovery ,ESB,seasonal Red Fox ,Seafarer and HSB.Only one guest on my visit and that was the ubiquitous Adnams Bitter.Ale quality is OK but the White Horse is now merely a pricey Fullers tied house,in an attractive old building.A downgrade from me despite a good value 3 course sunday lunch for �9.
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It was great to find some Fullers beers in Hertford; it�s just a shame that I didn�t explore the pub more as I thought that the two small bars at the front were the extent of the building.
Oh dear, now I will have to make a return visit!
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Very pleasant pint here during a crawl with two friends on 19/08/09. Locals and staff very friendly and had a great sense of humour. Seemed to attract a lot of Tottenham Hotspur supporters. Good guest beer. Otherwise Fullers range on, but well kept. Still a most enjoyable pub, and well worth strolling into town to pop in.
The 8/10 from my last visit remains in place.
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Well that was a cheap round .. I was the only one there lunchtime..lol.
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I will be drinking there tomorrow lunchtime I will be with my lurcher dog so should be easy to recognize me..I will buy a drink for anyone who knows me..!
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In on Sunday evening on a trip around three Hertford pubs. Gales HSB and Seafarer were the best of the beers but not inspiring. Of the three pubs visited better than the Black Horse but far behind the Old Cross Tavern
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In reply to the hungryfrog I do appreciate good ale and the beer was top quality(as it was before the new people arrived) but i went in last week and spent nearly �20 for a couple of beers and a sandwich .
In todays times every penny counts and I am lucky to be able to afford to spend �20 in a lunchtime but the place was almost empty so obviously many office workers cannot afford more than one drink and a sandwich as was clearly the case last week.
I like the OXT its a great pub and spend most lunchtimes there rather than the White Horse which is shame as I have always used the WH in the past.
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I guess an old, drunk (just reflecting on all the comments he has had, clearly has a drink problem) like hogshead need to watch every penny!!!!
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Hogshead is right,prices have risen and most pints are �2.95.However the beer range has expanded considerably,and there are generally 3 guests which are constantly rotating.The White Horse is going back to where it was before the Fullers tie,with interesting beers.Summer Ale from the Wapping brewery was spot on ,and some Titanic beers are up next.Sunday roast at �6.95 sounds good value.If you want cheap,try the Six Asbos and use your 50p off CAMRA vouchers,but suffer the lack of atmosphere.The White Horse may be a little pricey but its full of character.
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Lots of beers on now and the place is cleaner and fresher but ESB @ 345p a pint and London Pride @ 295p is a bit expensive.
When Nigel was there a curry was 550p and great value and now a curry is 700p and the cheapest sandwich is 400p so prices have increased by 30% since Nigel was there.
Lunchtime was very quiet with a few office people having lunch but apart from them it was moribund.
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Oh my what a lovely charming pub , lots of new beers and what friendly warm welcome received mine host was more than helpfull , i tried the seafarer's (GALE'S) what a great brew , and the whole place looks stunning with new bit's and pieces genrally a lot cleaner and brighter even fresh flower's around the place ,and the old back yard is very nice and pleasent to sit outside and relax .on my list to visit all the time
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Glad to report the pub is back to great form.The beer quality was exceptional with the full range of Fuller beers complimented by Butcombe Bitter,Hooky and Adnams Southwold Bitter.All ales sampled in top condition and there was a very pleasant couple behind the bar,friendly and polite.The building is very attractive with a low ceiling and traditional pub features.The bar to the left of the small front door is the regulars haunt,while the bar to the right is slightly larger but very intimate.A few months ago the White Horse seemed to be in a steady decline but the recent turnaround is attracting more punters.The Old Cross Tavern has a more exciting range of ales but The White Horse is now firmly back as the the second best pub in Hertford ,a real gem.
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I'm sorry to hear that I always enjoyed talking to him over a pint.
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Sad news. Nigel has departed from this established real ale pub. Wonder who is coming in? Hope they keep the ales as well as Nigel did.
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Good news about the re-opening. I hope this fine pub is soon back on form as it was 2 or 3 years ago.
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Excellent news.
I know there have been problems over the last 6 months but to see the pub closed was still a shock and I for one will be glad to see the White Horse back on its feet again .
This pub is the best one in Hertford for quality of beer and great food.
And it featured in BITE's top 40 pubs for many years so lets hope it can regain its former postion.
Good Luck.
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Dear All,
We are pleased to confirm that the White Horse has undergone some 're-structuring' and will be re-opening on Friday 24th October at 5pm.
There will be a full stock of ALL beers and wines, including your favorites such as ESB, Pride etc.
As ever, you can be assured of the best quality beer around as we are one of the few pubs anywhere that cleans it's lines after EVERY keg.
Please come and help us enjoy this momentous ocaasion, you will be assured of a warm welcome from us all!
Look forward to seeing you!
The White Horse Team
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Rumours in Hertford that the White Horse is now closed... could someone please confirm..
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Last week went in for a beer and to my surprise they informed me there was no Fullers beers or guest ales available... what a joke this pub has become in Hertford..
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Had a quick look in, seemingly now just Fullers ales on and not even the full range showing on the clips. I visited this pub many years ago when it was a thriving convivial freehouse serving a great range of cask ales. Evidently things have changed. Shame.
No rating left even if tempted as didn't stay and sample.
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Went in again last week after a 2 week boycott for a lunch..
It was 5 mins to 2 in the afternoon and I ordered a meal on the blackboard only to be told they stopped serving at 2.
I ordered a drink and sat down and soon afterwards a group of 4 walked in and asked for a meal to be told that they stopped serving at 2 ; they walked out in disgust.
The place is empty at lunchtimes and yet thet turn away trade they dont deserve peoples business.
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Went in last week after a 3 month absence and although I do not agree with comments by padster the pub is definetely going downhill whether its the new Wetherspoons opened in Hertford recently but the landlord Nigel the one with the ponytail was shouting at the young student barman over a food order.The pub was almost empty this being lunchtime but one thing you dont do is abuse your staff in front of customers.
Also the usual London Pride was not up to usual standard and they had no ESB on tap.
I have now decided to visit the Cross Keys where the beer is excellent and the staff and customers more happy.
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A few years ago this Free House in Hertford town centre was a one of the better places in Hertfordshire to enjoy a decent real ale. How things have changed - it's now definitely a place to avoid.
There is still a reasonable selection of beers available but they no longer seem as well kept. The pub has always had a certain charm with its small bars, interestingly furnished, timber and brick rooms upstairs and small courtyard garden (backing on to a dual carriageway though). Now the whole place feels rundown and neglected. Whereas before there was a feeling of rustic cosiness, now when you ascend the narrow stairway with its blackened, sticky, beer-soaked carpet you feel hesitation rather than excited anticipation about what waits for you upstairs. I felt like I was in a squat.
The atmosphere is dreadful, the staff unpleasant. I visited this week to see whether the place had improved since my last visit over a year ago. It has not and again I couldn't wait to leave.
Trying to overlook the iffy beer and the slightly squalid feel of the place, I tried to order a swift second round of beers. I was cutting it fine, it was 10:57pm and I thought they may stop serving at 11pm. Having waited patiently at the bar while the nasty barmaid - the owner, I suspect - ignored me and chatted to a regular, I was asked whether I wanted something...I gave my order and was dismissed with a simple "I've stopped serving" and she walked away. The bar clock showed 11:04pm. Back at the table our 3 watches each concurred it was still just before 11pm. We left for one of the much better pubs nearby.
My previous visit a year earlier was even worse. Sober but fumbling with a door while returning our empty glasses to the bar I dropped a glass on the tiled floor. I pushed the broken glass to the edge of the room and went to the bar with an apology and a drinks order. Without a word a dustpan and brush was dropped in front of me on the bar. I queried whether it was for me and was told simply "well I don't see why I should clear it up". Feeling a little guilty and not wanting someone to get hurt I did sweep up the glass. Returning the dustpan and brush I was again kept waiting like a naughty child. This time I was handed a broom and was told curtly to �do the job properly�. I thought the obnoxious woman was joking but apparently not. Besides, I had made a thorough job of it, even scrabbling under tables and asking people to please lift their feet! I was stunned. I was then given the choice: get sweeping or find somewhere else to drink. The choice was easy.
On both visits the friends I'd taken there were horrified by the place. I really suggest you avoid it. If you're after a decent beer you'll get much better one served by pleasant staff at The Old Cross Tavern a short walk away. There are plenty of other options in the area so there's really no reason to give this miserable place your business.
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Lovely little pub with friendly staff. Having regularly had all the beers from the Fullers stable I stuck to the guests - Sharps Eden Pure Ale and Beartown Gold. Very well kept/served and both lovely drops to boot. Heartily recommended if you are round this way.
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A great liitle pub and its a Fullers serving London Pride Discovery and ESB as well as 2 guest beers at any one time.Food is excellent and their curries are recommended.
Must have been there 50 times by now but unless you like Rugby and I dont you wont get a conversation with the locals which is a shame.
None the less the staff are friendly enough and you can sample the beer before buying.And now its a non smoking pub you an actually enjoy the taste of your ale.
I would not go any where else in Hertford.
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A roaring fire was most welcoming on my arrival yesterday evening. Two bars downstairs and an array of smaller rooms which were full of families upstairs. Very friendly landlady nade us feel at home immediately. Full range of Fullers Ales plus a guest(Adnams Southwold). Had the Discovery which was excellent. Will be going back again.
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A true olde worlde pub serves mainly fullers ale but usually has at least one guest ale on. With the winter coming go on a cold day and snuggle up in the downstair bar next to the real fire with a pint in hand. bliss! Tucked away down a side street in Hertford but worth searching for if you dont know the area. Sunday lunch is good too and Monday evening a special themed meal is usually available for a fiver but get there early.
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I can only assume th reviewers are playing this place down in order to prevent it becoming too popular.. it's one of the best.
I was back a week ago and it did not dissapoint
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What a fabulous pub..a visit is absolutely essential if you are in Hertford.Was there at the weekend for the beer festival which,once again,did not disappoint with a fine selection of ales.
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Paid a timely visit to this pub as part of a crawl with a friend on 01/08/07. Enjoyed an excellent pint of Wye Valley Bitter. I found the staff (girl behind the bar) and locals friendly, good-humoured and conversational. I would visit again tomorrow if not going on holiday!
This is an essential pub in any Hertford crawl, despite the sad fact they no longer brew here. Give it another try, Quinno, hopefully it will click for you next time.
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A couple of guest ales on that I recall (tried Elgood's Cambridge) which was in good form alongside the Fullers fayre.
Didn't really dig the place though, can't really put my finger on why, should go back and give it another go at some point. The beer was good enough and the pickled egg was welcome. Something just didn't quite click.
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Very ordinary, a real Royston Vasey feel, it takes ages to get served if you are not "local", lovely building.
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Went towards the end of their May beer festival and tried an excellent pint of Dragonsmoke stout.
London Pride back to top form again.
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A great little old fashioned boozer. Shame about the frosty female bar staff last Saturday. Anybody worried about the effects of global warming should pop in here - don't forget your arctic survival suit!!!
The pub itself would score a 9 but the welcome drags it down to a 2!!!
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Another great Fullers pub!
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Just visited on beer festival weekend, real ale in superb condition, very friendly pub, will be back for the next festival.
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Small pub, decent Ale, nice people.
If you want cheap "ale-fresco", go to Wetherspoons.
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Dirty, smokey, expensive.
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cracking little pub, friendly folk and good beer. what more do you need?
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Great real ale pub in Hertford.
Top tip: chill out in the large sofas upstairs while your mate struggles to carry a tray of beers up the steep stairs
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I have visited this pub in all my recent holidays. The pub ist absolutely great, went there to watch the rugby last sunday.
Good crowd, good fun....but I have to admit, that this time the pint (Fullers Pride) was not at it's best form.
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Excellent selection of real ales. Good service. Non-smoking section upstairs. Best pub in Hertford.
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eehhm i seemed to have picked the wrong time to visit, ale selection a little thin can only assume its normally better, what i had was decent though ,pub good staff good but need another visit to improve rating
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A superb real ale pub just west of town centre. Landlord a 'good egg'. Great food. 2006 Good Beer Guide entrant and I am sure it will be in the 2007 edition. Holds fantastic beer festivals twice a year. Cannot be faulted. Well worth a return visit. Don't forget to try Muriel's pickled eggs whilst you are there.
Korky - 31 Aug 2006 17:21 |
A super pub, this one. Good selection of ales, friendly welcome and lots of space including an upstairs bar. Makes me want to check out the other Hertford pubs too. I shall return.
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Went in for a quick drink (of coke) I was driving. A nice small place, old English pub. Nice staff, loads of beers, if only I could ahve tried them. Big bear badsges on some walls good to look at. Very old looking inside and old looking furniture.
Will go back soon for the beer!
NeilA - 13 May 2006 18:34 |
This pub is a masterpiece. If you could bottle it, you could make a fortune selling pure britsh cultural history. I have been maybe once amonth over the last 10 years and have never once had anything but a perfect pint. Been to many a fine Beer Festival as well, although like the other reviewers, hugely disappointed that the local council banned drinking outside the pub and in the castle grounds just opposite.
.
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Great pub, full of great beer, and great people, which makes a great atmosphere! Shame about the drinking in the castle grounds ban, that used to really finish a hot summer's Friday night out. Still worth a visit though.
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Can't stand outside the pub and have a pint anymore. Local authorities, don't allow it.
anonymous - 29 Apr 2005 01:35 |
This is how pubs should be, full of characters, very friendly, good beer and good Sunday lunches. Service with a smile. 9.5 out of 10.
Fred Cooper - 17 Nov 2004 14:20 |
Spent a few weeks in Hertford - always ended up at the White Horse. Enjoyed the beer, but mostly just listening to the friendly (and colorful) clientele. Nigel, Ben, and Maggie make it definitely worth a visit.
Galen - 23 Oct 2004 13:57 |
A very nice pub, very good atmosphere. Good service given by Ben the barman. Professor Jones helps with local issues.
Good Sunday lunch.
Vivian - 17 Sep 2004 13:20 |
Used to be a great place to stand outside or in the park across the road and enjoy a cool beer, due to new anti social orders this is no longer allowed. Not the was EVER any trouble. A real shame !!
Unfriendly locals? i dont think so. Make sure to have a chat to Dr Jones....
Stan - 4 Aug 2004 13:08 |
Their guest beers seem to be restricted to the 20 or so on the list and only 2 guests are on at one time due to the 4 Fullers and one Adnams clogging the handpumps. Sunday lunchtime food is superb and Monday evening's gastronomic tour is worth checking. Very members only feel to the left bar. I hate rugby with a vengeance so each visit is difficult. Locals are very unfriendly in addition to that. I still feel it rates a 7 out of 10.
anonymous - 14 Apr 2004 08:55 |
Definitely the place to head for if you find yourself in the county town. Unusual guest ales are kept in prime condition for you to wash down the fine bar food. Try the chicken liver pate; mmmm yummy.
stephen - 21 Feb 2004 10:41 |
Nice pub all year round, superb range of Ales, just don't ask for a lager! I think you need to like Rugby?
Horace - 11 Dec 2003 17:50 |
A fine hostelry well worth the effort of finding, and I have had a good pint on every visit. Occasinal festivals held. Very friendly staff afford a warm welcome to everyone. There was a superb barbeque when I visited in July this year. This pub is highly recommended, and I am rating it 10/10.
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A fantastic Chiswick Freestyle pub serving a fine selection of real ales (at least 4 non-Fullers) and 2 premium lagers. It's situated close to Hertford castle in a lovely old building with three no-smoking rooms upstairs aswell as a bar-billiards room and two separate bars downstairs. Can always be relied upon to put on at least two or three beer festivals every year.
Jake - 24 Oct 2003 13:05 |
