Perfect for both East Sussex locals and those visiting this charming seaside area, The White Horses is a considered pub with rooms, with idyllic views of the rocky cliffs and sea beyond. Surrounded by lush countryside and nestled within the sleepy village of Rottingdean, this contemporary free house paints a scenic picture.
Positioned so close to the shore, it's easy to see why The White Horses has such a focus on fresh seafood, working with day-boat catches and local fishermen. In fact, the team are passionate about their entire food philosophy, which focuses on uplifting local, regional and British produce, and taking inspiration from the area, cooking up much-loved recipes associated with this part of Sussex. You can read all about the team's relationships with nearby farmers, cheesemongers, bakers, fishmongers and butchers on the website, which is heart-warming to see.
The menu is designed to offer a little bit of everything, from wholesome breakfasts to traditional Sunday lunches. As seasonal produce is at the heart of every dish, the menu changes monthly and will always be updated online. Right now, this looks like ideas for aperitifs and nibbles like a glass of English fizz, alongside Irish soda bread, with caviar, butter and dips, followed by starters such as chilled pea and spinach soup with cauliflower fritters, coconut yoghurt and a dash of chive oil, or Isle of Wight heritage tomato salad with Driftwood goat’s cheese, pickled grapes, coral crisp and a vermouth vinaigrette.
For mains, guests might enjoy the likes of pan-fried sea bass with spinach, capers, chorizo and buttered new potatoes or roast corn-fed chicken with crispy layered potato cake, peas and beans and torched baby gem, but there's also plenty of other options in the mix. For example, seafood fans will love the signature platters which include Atlantic prawns and dressed crab, or enjoy a classic like the cider-battered haddock and chips with pease pudding, seaweed tartare sauce and a tangy gherkin ketchup.