Bonjour lecteurs? Do you like quaint pubs with beautiful décor? Fancy a charming family break in the UK and discovering a new county? As an expat from France, I love nothing more than a good old inn that generations of people have visited, a place with history, featuring a rustic charm like you can only find it in the UK. We had the loveliest time in Dorking in Surrey a week and half ago. So much so that even the storm that weekend did not spoil it. Read now our Family Stay At The White Horse Dorking With Heartwood Inns.
The White Horse in Dorking
The White Horse in Dorking has what you would expect from an historic inn in the heart of Surrey.
Thanks to its friendly and welcoming atmosphère, you can feel right at home by the fireplace with a good glass of wine or a pint if you prefer.
Recently refurbished, the pub from the Heartwood Collection prides itself for supporting its local communities, serving fresh and seasonal food on its menu while having strong French vibes too.
But not only! The pub is all about curiosité and unforgettable moments with your loved ones. So did the White Horse In Dorking pass the test?
Our Arrival
As soon as we booked our stay, I was expecting a pub in the country.
But not quite! It turns out that the pub with rooms is right in the heart of Dorking, Surrey. Don’t miss the entrance! Drive under the arch and you will find the car park at the back of the inn. It was quite a surprise, but still charming!
As soon as we checked in, the location had all that you would expect from an historic place as such. Only they added many modern touches like the frames or the colourful chairs and wallpapers.
L’Atmosphère
The ensemble is quite charming and cosy with des touches féminines, yet you still get the classic vibes of the English pub.
On one side, you have the bar with some chairs and tables by the fireplace while the restaurant looks a bit more like a French brasserie.
J’adore the pink touches and the so European inspiration while the boys enjoyed the cosiness of the pub. Shall we call it shabby chic?
After all, it is très élégant while keeping it traditional roots of the English pub. A great start! Everyone was happy after a long journey in the rain.
Our Room At The White Horse
We were quick to discover our room and once more, un succés. J’adore the bed that looked like a pink shell and the cosiness of the cushions.
Stanley has a little bed made for him too but he was quick to collect all the cushions and pillows to make his own fortress right under the TV.
And let’s not forget the macarons, la Frenchie touche that we all savoured in our comfy and spacious room.
From the 100% sustainably sourced bedding and pillows, to the bed spray and our welcoming sweet treats, everything was there to make our stay the comfiest possible.
The bed was so snug and we regularly stay in hotels. So this is un réel compliment. Actually, I am struggling so much to get over it, I might even mention it again on my TripAdvisor…
La Salle De Bain
And regardez la salle de bain! I mean I want the same mural tiles in our own family bathroom!
Not sure that Grumpy Boyfriend would allow me, especially in that shade of pink…
But it’s another succés! Such a beautiful revamp of what clearly looked like an older room.
Bath or shower, you have le choix but I rather like the design of this bath… Either way, it was what I call a very good family bathroom. It’s so nice to have such a spacious room!
Exploring Dorking
Once all unpacked, we were quick to explore the area.
The weather might have been typically English with clouds and a bit of rain, but we walked in town, looked at the antiques and the vintage shops before following a path leading to the local stadium.
We eventually found a cute play ground with some cool features: a sand pit, plenty of spaces to climb and have fun… Le paradis!
And we did it with style! This look (now available on my LTK shop, click on then photos to shop the look) certainly turned some heads. But the boys were eager to go back to the pub and relax à l’anglaise with a drink , so I carried on a bit of shopping on my own.
Now that’s what I call un weekend relaxant!
Le Dîner
I was a good girl and came home empty hands (does not happen often, so worth mentioning…). It was cold and gloomy outside, so I covered up in the comfiest duvet ever. I watched a bit of Netflix and then got ready for dinner.
It was lovely to sit right by the bar in a little alcove which looked all très fançaise. And the restaurant was packed!
Clearly the Frenchie brasserie vibes are working on the locals. But what can I say, you can’t go wrong with French… Plus sérieusement, we had un dîner délicieux with the vegetable tart for starter and a cheeky burger for main.
The mini Frenchie followed me on that one and his kids burger was énorme! And regardez the homemade madeleines! Now even Proust would be jaloux of such dessert…
Le Petit-Déjeuner
Such a relaxing time! The staff could not have made it better. We had a lovely time and had a very good night despite the storm.
Waking up not too early, the next day was a bit more anglais with a classic British breakfast.
Don’t worry, they also have some pains au chocolat if you want to carry on with the Frenchie vibes and you can even order some cooked breakfast like pancakes and more.
The Deepdene Trail
Before going home, we decided to explore the local Deepdene Trail.
Once more, he put on his super cool Shaun the Sheep boots and his very American jacket and off we went.
And what a beautiful place! We didn’t have time to go super far as the British weather had it for us that weekend. But look at that view!
And we also made a new friend called Oscar!
What a beautiful way to end up our trip in Surrey. For once, I was the grumpy one because I did not want to go home. This place was too pretty and relaxing to leave! But weekends are always too short!
The White Horse Dorking – Le Verdict
Never mind! We had such a beautiful weekend at the White Horse in Dorking. The pub with rooms successfully mixes all the traditions of a good old English pub with a French brasserie.
The pub is inviting with its friendly staff; the food, locally sourced and prepared was délicieuse and our room was simply parfaite!
I love all the pink touches that added this je ne sais quoi to the original features.
You could really feel that you were in a location that has been through History, yet really well looked after for a charming and quaint stay in Surrey. It was the perfect family break to explore a new area.
Do you also fancy a chic family stay in a beautiful traditional English pub with rooms? Discover now the Heartwood Collection and enjoy a stay in one of its beautiful inns or a meal in its restaurants.
Prices for a family room start from £229.
Disclosure – We received a free stay in exchange for an honest opinion.
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