The 600-year-old White Horse, at Boughton-under-Blean, has officially reopened its doors with experienced licensees, the Thompson family, at the helm.
The pub has seen its period features restored and enhanced to preserve its unique character since the Thompsons — who already run four hotels, bars, and restaurants with Shepherd Neame — took over.
With more than 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Sharon and Gordon Thompson, along with all their grown-up children, already run: The Castle Hotel, in Eynsford, Kent; The Abbey Hotel, in Battle, East Sussex; The White Horse Inn, in Maldon, Essex; and The Woolpack Inn, in Chilham.
Named after the historic White Horse which was referred to in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, its doors were officially re-opened by Yvonne Neame, wife of the late president of Shepherd Neame, Robert ‘Bobby’ Neame.
Yvonne, who lived in the village for 50 years, said: “The Thompsons do an amazing job, and I have seen how they have transformed both the building and the menu at The Woolpack in Chilham.
“Everything they do is of the highest standard, and I am delighted to be able to officially open their latest venture, The White Horse, which I am sure will also prove to be a huge success.”
The Thompsons, who won pub of the year in the 2024 Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year Awards, have reinstated the bar with traditional brass real ale pumps, complemented by a selection of contemporary lagers, and a warming log burner for a cosy atmosphere in the colder months.
