Every week we love to shine the spotlight on some of the best local venues that the borough has to offer, in our Pub of the Week feature.
This week we spoke to the manager and landlord of The White Horse to see what their pub was all about.
Name of the pub:
Address of the pub:
177 Stitch-Mi-Lane, Harwood, Bolton BL2 4HT
Manager and landlord names:
Manager Kelly Howarth and landlord Will Yates
I have worked at the pub for 18 months and been the manager for 10 months, and I love it. The customers, staff, and Will were all amazing. I actually started off as a cleaner, and then got a couple of shifts on the bar. Will trained me up and has been brilliant and they have turned the pub around. I have a lot of experience in pubs, and I used to work here when I was 18, and it’s my local pub.
Give us some history about the pub:
It has a rich history. I think it was built in the 1800s, so it’s a pretty old building.
Is food served? If so please describe it or if there are plans to in the future.
Food is served by our chef Oliver, and we have lots of different menus. We have a sizzle plates menu, light bites, pizza, mixed grill, and lots of pub classics. We do a Sunday roast, which people have to pre order so we can make it fresh. We have deals of the week for lunch for under a fiver. Kids can eat for £1 Monday to Thursday. You can also feed a family of four for under £21 Monday to Thursday.
We have a massive beer garden around the back, with a large grass area. And there is also a beer garden at the front of the pub, which is heaving in the summer because it’s one of the largest beer gardens around here. We also have smoke shelters with a big screen, and a heatproof area.
What is the most popular drink served and why?
Guinness is very popular here, and we won an award for it for 2022/2023. Guinness came out to test it. We have got 14 different Pumps on here, and we also have a lot of offers on alcohol.
What is the most memorable moment at the pub?
We do a good Halloween and Christmas party, which go down really well, and the pub is packed. We also had a German market in the winter, and we are thinking of doing more in the future.
Every Saturday we have live music, from groups, tribute acts, or solo acts. When we had a Tina Turner tribute act the pub was really busy. This was the second time she performed because she was absolutely fantastic.
What are the biggest challenges within the industry and how can you overcome them?
With the cost-of-living crisis some sometimes it is difficult in this climate, and we are trying our hardest to get as many offers on as we can.
What is the best thing about running a pub and why?
The customers and the atmosphere. It’s the banter we have with them, and the regulars can’t do enough for you. A lot of different generations of families come in and you see people who have grown up.
When it’s nice and sunny and everyone is enjoying themselves in the beer garden.
What bonus things are offered at the pub? Please explain.
We are a dog friendly pub, and we have dog treats for customers’ pets. We have a quiz night every Wednesday, hosted by Scott Jones, and we offer prizes. It’s a good turnout. We also have a darts and pool team. Once a month we have a DJ on a Friday, and we also do karaoke. We will also have the Easter bunny here this season. We always have lots of events going on, especially in the summer.
If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.
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