Business Details
The White Horse - A Traditional Dorset Pub
The White Horse Hinton St Mary is a 16th-century Grade II-listed pub at the heart of Dorset's rural community. Our historic stone building retains original features including wooden beams and stone-flagged floors, complemented by log-burning fires in both our traditional bar and Inglenook lounge. Owned by the Pitt-Rivers and Fox-Pitt families, we reopened in 2022 following extensive renovations that preserved our heritage while enhancing guest comfort. Our team, led by husband-and-wife chef duo Andy and Mel Kilburn, brings decades of hospitality experience from Michelin-starred kitchens and vineyards to deliver exceptional food and service.Recognised as a finalist in the Dorset Echo's Pub of the Year 2023, we combine traditional pub values with modern culinary excellence. Our commitment to quality extends to sourcing local ingredients and maintaining a warm, inclusive atmosphere where muddy boots and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The pub's historical significance is underscored by its connection to the 1963 discovery of a Roman Villa mosaic now housed in the British Museum, featuring what may be the earliest known portrait of Christ.
Services
Pub Dining
Accommodation Booking
Event Hosting
Local Tours
Wine Selection
Highlights and features
- We offer award-nominated hospitality in a historic 16th-century building
- Our Michelin-trained chef delivers exceptional British cuisine
- We maintain original architectural features with modern comforts
- We provide dog-friendly and family-friendly environments
- We offer exclusive access to local historical insights
What people say
Exceptional experience
Superb kitchen
Perfect service
Magical property
Delicious food
Services
Pub Dining
Our traditional pub dining experience offers carefully crafted menus using locally sourced ingredients. The Inglenook lounge provides 30-cover seating while The Snug offers intimate dining. Seasonal outdoor seating is available in our beer garden during warmer months.
Accommodation Booking
We partner with Hinton St Mary Estate to offer three self-catering cottages nearby. No.18 sleeps two guests in a romantic thatched cottage, while The Lodge and Manor Stables each accommodate four guests in restored historical properties within the estate grounds.
Event Hosting
Our spaces accommodate various events from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The Inglenook lounge provides dedicated dining space while our beer garden offers outdoor entertaining options in a historic setting surrounded by Dorset countryside.
Local Tours
We provide access to local historical insights including the Roman Villa connection and nearby equestrian facilities. Our team offers recommendations for exploring the Jurassic Coast, Corfe Castle, and other regional attractions within an hour's drive.
Wine Selection
Our bar features carefully selected wines alongside traditional ales and spirits. The wine list complements our seasonal menus, with staff trained to provide pairing recommendations. We maintain a balanced selection of both classic and contemporary offerings.
People
Andy Kilburn
Head Chef
Michelin-star trained chef with extensive hospitality experience, previously running The Foresters in Donhead for 11 years and working at Breezy Ridge Vineyard. Brings culinary expertise to our traditional pub setting.
Mel Kilburn
General Manager
Hotel Management graduate with advanced WSET wine qualification. Co-manages operations with 11 years' experience running hospitality businesses alongside Andy, ensuring exceptional service standards in our restored historic pub.
Sarah
Front of House Manager
Hospitality professional managing bar operations and front-of-house team. Creates welcoming atmosphere where 'nothing is too much trouble', maintaining our reputation for exceptional customer service in Dorset's countryside.
Questions
What are your opening hours?
We're open Wednesday-Thursday 12:00-22:00, Friday-Saturday 12:00-23:00, and Sunday 12:00-17:00. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Do you serve food all day?
Lunch service runs 12:00-14:30 and dinner 18:00-21:00 daily, with Sunday lunch until 15:30. Our kitchen closes between services.
Can I book accommodation through the pub?
Yes, we partner with Hinton St Mary Estate to offer three cottages: No.18 (sleeps 2), The Lodge and Manor Stables (both sleep 4).
Are well-behaved dogs welcome?
Yes, we welcome dogs in our bar area and beer garden, provided they're kept under control and away from dining spaces.
What historical features can guests see?
Our 16th-century Grade II-listed building retains original wooden beams, stone-flagged floors, and log-burning fires in both public rooms.
Is there parking available?
Additional parking is available in the village car park. We recommend avoiding our narrow lanes for vehicle access.
