Vegetarian: Yes,   Parking: A few spaces at the rear otherwise public car parks,    Wheelchairs: OK,    Loos: Excellent

Visited August 2008  

The White Horse, is situated in the heart of the historic market town of Romsey. The Georgian facade of this Grade II* listed hotel conceals a building that dates back to the 14th century with a heritage rich in history and it is one of only twelve inns in the country that can claim to have served as a hotel continuously since the 14th century!  Yet once we entered we were very impressed with the tasteful and luxurious modern decor.  It has recently re-opened after an extensive renovation by Silks Hotels.  The bedrooms that we requested to view before we left offer 5* comfort with the sort of bathrooms that make you feel very dissatisfied once you get home!

It's well worth having a wonder around; the Silks Bar looks very attractive and when walking along one of the corridors you can spy on Chef Matthew Gardner and his kitchen brigade slaving away through windows to the open kitchen.  We later found out that his pastry chef is called Gaby and after sampling her puds declared her a genius!

As it was actually a fairly warm day we started our visit by enjoying perfectly served G & T's seated in their courtyard.  We could have eaten out there but decided to enjoy the lovely restaurant pictured above (the double doors on left of pic lead to a private dining room).  We had plenty of time to make our choices from an extensive menu, starters ranging from £5 - £7 (some could be chosen as a main), mains from £10.50 - £19.95 plus various side orders for vegetables.  Also available is a Simply Silks Anytime Menu, choices from which can be enjoyed anywhere in the hotel and would be ideal for a bar snack plus there's also a sandwich menu.

We noted several bottles of olive oil displayed, they have their own range, Silks Larder and sell it in Romsey market.  When we commented on it our lovely waitress Christine brought us a tray of delicious home made breads and tasters of all the oils.

Our starter choices, Leek & Stilton potato cake with spinach, poached egg & wholegrain cream sauce (our favourite choice), Crab Spring roll with Thai salad, Sussex Smokey (smoked haddock gratin) and Eggs Benedict.  Beautiful presentation.  During the meal we enjoyed a bottle of Ancora Pinot Grigio Rose £18.95.

Our mains, Oriental crispy beef salad (a starter ordered as a main), Smoked rump of lamb with ratatouille, rosti potato & a Madeira sauce, Rib eye steak, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, onion rings and chunky chips, and finally Seared calves liver & bacon, champ potatoes with a red wine & sage sauce.  Sadly the steak was a bit of a disappointment and don't really know why I ordered it as steak usually is!  Everything else was very tasty.

Cost £ £ £ £ £ £ .......... but remember you can enjoy just a bar snack in this lovely hotel