26th October 2008
Sadly gone downhill recently
It happens to the best of restaurants.. one minute, it's doing exceptional food and great service, everyone is happy.. the next minute, they decide to change a few things, maybe the chef moves on, and the restaurant you once knew and loved, has gone downhill. Such is the case with the White Horse lately.
About 4-5 months ago, the menu all of a sudden changed to one that constantly offers the same dishes... It used to change its menu daily, a clear indication that the chef relied on whatever he/she could get fresh that day to come up with the most quality menu. There used to be excellent, creative and adventurous choices on the menu like camel, zebra, other rare game you don't typically find in gastropubs... great fish dishes, and all else, including the burger was exceptional.
I have tried it twice now in the last few months and I'm sad to say that things have changed at the White Horse and I'm no longer pleased with the menu or the atmosphere. Gone are the cozy couches - more tables have been added in as it's clear that the new White Horse wants to churn tables. The menu stays the same day after day, week after week. I'd actualy be fine wth this if what was on offer was good. I've had their "new" burger which is very average (their old burger was delicious!). My friend had their risotto and had to send it back... When she asked the waiter how long ago the risotto was made, he came back and actually said that it was made in the morning (!!!).. which explained why it was chewy and clumped together rather than as freshly made risotto should be.
Clearly something has happened - some decisions have been made to change things.. possibly the management was looking for some cost savings.. Whatever the case, I have not gone back. I likely will not go back until I see that the menu changes once again - possibly (I hope) indicating that they move back in the right direction.