The White Horse Pub

The White Horse is a pleasant memory.

This place popped my ‘toad in a hole’ cherry. I didn’t know what to expect when I ordered a sausage with a toad in the hole, but it’s just yorkshire pudding built around a coiled up sausage. traditional English pub atmosphere and overall good value.

Located in Prime Shoreditch position on the corner of the High Street and Redchurch Street, this is a ‘Gentlemen’s Venue’ that also appeals to the fairer sex. I know female exploitation is a hot topic of debate, and everyone has their opinion on the industry and issues surrounding this industry, but a short conversation with the manager and daughter of the owners of this establishment, put this feminist somewhat at ease. Set up in the 1960’s before the gentrification of the borough when Hackney was frequented by locals only, this is a true London family business. I imagine in the 1980’s after the economic boom City slickers would make the short walk from the Square Mile to get their kicks here. Now it attracts a truly mixed crown; you get the groups of lads on their night out (although misbehave at your peril as the staff are formidable!), the stereotypical ‘old men’ hanging around the bar and nonchalantly glancing at the stage, but surprisingly a fair few women. I’ve been quite a few times to marvel at the skill of these women, and the power they command over the audience. To watch you must plop a £1 in the pint glass circulated by the dancer herself. It is nice that you get to meet the dancers both before and after their performance, and all I’ve met have been talkative and happy to answer questions, and most importantly the girls seem to be genuinely enjoying themselves and seem well looked after. The owner/​managers are usually in house presiding over their bar, and for an added touch they sell bite sized Pepperoni from a jar on the bar! I greatly recommend this joint for a different night out, give it a go and see if it changes your mind too!