Eat, Drink & be Merry at The White Horse

The White Horse, Welton, Northamptonshire

Recent research has shown that over thirty pubs a week are calling time on last orders with the closures worst in the rural areas of Britain. There are many reasons why so many of our village pubs are continuing to close. Competition from supermarkets offering cheap deals on alcohol, fewer people visiting our pubs, the increasing costs of energy & finding suitably qualified staff, so it is very encouraging to come across a pub which is thriving within its local community during these very difficult times for the pub & hospitality sector.

The White Horse can be found in the beautiful village of Welton which is located amongst the gently rolling limestone hills which characterise this part of the Northamptonshire Uplands. The village takes its name from the Old English meaning Well or spring and Ton the Saxon word for a village.

All roads lead to Welton

Welton village is located 2.6 miles (4.2 km) north of the nearest town Daventry. It is 13 miles (21 km) west-north west of Northampton, 9 miles (14 km) south east of Rugby and 78 miles (126 km) north-west of London. The village is 1 mile (1.6 km) off the A361 that runs between Daventry and Crick where the M1 junction 18 gives access to the national motorway network north and south. The Grand Union canal passes very close to the south side of the village and the The White Horse receives many visitors who have moored down on the canal. The White Horse is located in the heart of the village nestled next to the 14^th century Northamptonshire Iron stone parish church of St Martin`s. It is a friendly village pub with many colourful characters and attentive staff.

On entering the pub from the front entrance there are two bars to choose from. Go left and you will be in a small bar area which in the winter months has a much welcome coal burner. A couple of steps to the rear takes you down to a small separate Northamptonshire Skittles and darts area. The pub has a successful ladies and mixed skittles teams competing in local leagues. Every other Sunday evening there is also a very popular quiz which takes place throughout the pub.

Northamptonshire Skittles

Go right from the entrance door and you pass through a small bar area which is very popular with locals before you enter a much larger lounge bar which has an archway leading to a bright & spacious restaurant dining area which can cater for up to thirty diners. The restaurant has original floor flag stones and authentic wooden beams providing a warm comfortable setting to sit and enjoy a meal.

There is also a large spacious beer Garden and outdoor patio area which has been used for the popular live musical performances, beer festivals & a new brick built outside pizza oven. The experienced bar staff all have a smile and kind words for both regulars and new visitors alike.

There is a wide variety of food available to suit any taste in the recently revamped restaurant. The pub hosts regular Pop-Up kitchens offering a wide variety of exciting cuisines as well as their popular traditional Sunday Roast! The restaurant can also be booked for private events such as birthday parties, weddings and other celebrations. The White Horse serves a range of very good quality real ales. Visitors can choose from at least four good quality beers, several lagers and the usual range of spirits.

Purity Brewing – Pure Gold 3.8%. Pure Gold is refreshing golden ale with a dry and bitter finish. Brewed with English Maris Otter, Caragold and Wheat malts. Then generously hopped with Pilgrim, Citra, Bobeck and Hereford Goldings hops. http://www.puritybrewing.com 

Oakham Ales – Bishops Farewell 4.6%. A strong premium beer of structured quality, dominated by elaborate fruity hop notes, with a grainy background and dry finish. http://www.oakhamales.com 

Sharps Brewery – Atlantic IPA 4.2%. Deep golden in colour, Atlantic has a vibrant fruity aroma redolent of lime zest to mango. The flavour is harmonious balance of barley sugar and grapefruit with a refreshingly crisp citrus linger. http://www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk 

Banks’s Brewery – Amber Bitter 3.8%. Crafted with the finest ingredients to deliver a really easy drinking beer. A deep gold in colour it comes with malty, hoppy flavours and clean finish with fruity overtones. Great with a packet of pork scratchings or a hot pie. http://www.marstons.co.uk 

Guest Real Ales

Summer Lightning, Moonshine, UBU, Butty Bach, Proper Job are some of the pubs favourite guest ales. Suggestions are always welcome so let them know if you have a favourite.

St Martin`s Parish Church

Soapbox Derby

The White Horse is the start line for the Welton Soapbox Derby, descending downhill for 1/3 mile reaching speeds +30 mph. The derby attracts contestants from the as far a field as the Isle of Wight, prizes include speed, originality and juniors. Unfortunately the 2023 event had to be cancelled because they were unable to secure public liability insurance. The organisers are hopeful that the event will take place next year.

If you are visiting the area around Daventry why not drop in to the village and visit the village pub. I would fully recommend a visit to The White Horse for a meal and or a drink, you will not be disappointed!