Pub Awards: Best Family finalist - The White Horse, Ruddington, Nottinghamshire

The White Horse in Ruddington, Notts, doesn’t lack for competiton, with seven rivals serving a community of just 8,000. But Andy and his team have worked hard to ensure the business stands out, creating a gastropubs for families, and success has followed.

With a significant amount of investment into the operation, Andy and his co-owner Abbie Clifton have created a vibrant business over the past three years with a lot of hard work, and the result is an impressive pub that appeals across the generations.

A fresh food offer ensures that all tastes are catered for, and parents are happy in the knowledge that there are plenty of healthy options on the menu. Children can even create and design their own pizzas, which are then brought to life in the kitchen.

Events

Events provide a great opportunity to appeal to the family market. Bonfire Night and movies on Christmas Eve have been big hits, while a beer festival family day saw candy floss and popcorn machines working hard and an inflatable ‘city’ in the car park.

A covered garden area means the pub can cater for guests regardless of the weather, and it offers a wide range of fun games  from Giant Jenga and table tennis through to Connect Four.

The staff’s emphasis on keeping the kids happy is really paying off for the pub, with children now pushing their parents for a visit!