Shepherd Neame invests £950k in historic Westminster pub

Shepherd Neame pub The White Horse and Bower in Westminster has reopened  following an investment of £950K.
Shepherd Neame pub The White Horse and Bower in Westminster has reopened following an investment of £950K (Shepherd Neame)

Shepherd Neame pub the White Horse and Bower in Westminster has reopened after a three-month closure following an investment of £950,000.

The pub, which is just minutes from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, first opened in 1816.

It follows the recent £1.2m refurbishment of Shepherd Neame’s well-known Westminster Arms.

The renovation has seen the introduction of a new bespoke reclaimed oak bar, banquette leather seating and more private seating in rear booths, separated by handmade stained-glass screens.

There is also a reclaimed full-height timber fireplace, antique light fittings, and traditional hand-painted Lincrusta wall finish.

Outside, the pub has also seen a revamp with the pub’s original tiled façade restored, a new awning, bi-folding timber windows, bench seating and a bespoke hand-painted swing sign.

New menu

The refurbishment also included energy-efficient fridges, smart cellar technology, LED lighting, and an all-electric kitchen.

In addition, the kitchen and food menu have also been expanded.

The new menu focuses on locally sourced seasonal produce and relaxed, shareable dishes, including a pork and sage Scotch egg with mustard mayo and small plates such as miso-glazed aubergine with sweet tahini yoghurt, crispy salt & pepper dusted squid with citrus mayo, Whitstable Bay beer-battered haddock with chips, tandoori chicken skewers with warm quinoa salad, hot smoked salmon Niçoise and a range of burgers.

Drinks include an extensive range of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, including its new Iron Wharf stout.

Incredible location

Operations manager Ryan Torrie said: “Our team, led by general manager Aurelija Bodian, are thrilled to welcome customers back to The White Horse and Bower.

“It is a fantastic pub in an incredible location, and our aim with this project has been to honour its history while breathing fresh life into it.

“Working with skilled local craftspeople and contractors, we’ve taken care to bring authenticity and artistry to every detail, and are extremely proud of the finished result.

“Combined with our vibrant new food and drink offer and the great programme of live events we have lined up, we are confident that the White Horse and Bower will quickly re-establish itself as one of Westminster’s most vibrant destinations.”